NTSB: no distracted driving, no cell phones behind the wheel

Next time you’re tempted to reach for your cell phone behind the wheel, consider this: in December 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a nationwide ban on using any personal electronic devices behind the wheel.

The NTSB suggests banning drivers from using any and all devices for non-emergency purposes, including hands-free devices. The board also called for better enforcement of current laws restricting the use of devices while driving.

“No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

The NTSB cited several other accidents caused by drivers using both handheld and hands-free cell phones and devices while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported over 3,000 deaths from accidents caused by distracted driving in 2010.

Currently, only 9 states prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving and 35 states prohibit texting while driving. No states have banned the use of hands-free devices.

To learn more about avoiding risks while driving, take a drivers ed course or check out http://www.distraction.gov/ for facts and tips about staying device-free behind the wheel.