Cell Phones Distract Drivers

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a call for less distraction behind the wheel. The NTSB has concluded that using cellphones while driving can divert a driver’s attention with lethal consequences. A spectacular crash last year in Missouri occasioned the call for states to ban both conversations and texting. A pickup truck driver was busy sending and receiving 11 text messages in the minutes prior to running into the back of a semi truck. This accident started a major pile-up in which the pickup truck driver, 19 years old, was killed along with another teen riding in a school bus and 38 people were injured. Other accidents have also been attributed to momentary distraction caused by electronic devices. The NTSB would like to see states ban texting, emailing or even talking while driving unless it is an emergency. Even hands free devices are considered dangerous while driving. Although such a recommendation carries no legal authority, it may encourage states to stiffen their laws and enforcement.