Chris Woodyard
USA Today
12/13/2011
The National Transportation Safety Board is calling for the first-ever nationwide ban on drivers’ use of smartphones, iPods and other personal electronic devices while behind the wheel. The recommendation also includes banning “hands-free” phone devices.
The safety recommendation specifically calls for the 50 states and the District of Columbia to ban the “nonemergency use of portable electronic devices, other than those designed to support the driving task, for all drivers.” Many states already have such a ban.
The safety recommendation also urges use of the NHTSA model of high-visibility enforcement to support these bans and implementation of targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and heightened enforcement.
“According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents”, said Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving.”…
The article continues at USA Today.
