NTSB Recommends Full Cell Phone Ban to Reduce Car Accidents

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for a nationwide ban on cell phone use in an effort to reduce the number of car accidents caused by distracted drivers.

Over the past ten years, the NTSB has actively sought to limit cell phone use among drivers and the new guidelines would effectively outlaw all forms of texting and talking while driving, including the use of voice-activated software or wireless earpiece devices. The only cellular devices not affected by the ban would be those that are installed in vehicles by the manufacturer.

The proposed ban comes in response to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which suggest that as many as 13.5 million drivers are using their cellphones on U.S. roadways at any given time. Approximately 3,092 people were killed in 2010 as a result of an accident caused by a distracted driver and the NHTSA claims that the actual figure could be much higher.

NTSB officials also stated that the distracted driving problem is surpassing the threat posed by drunk drivers. In a recent survey conducted by the state Office of Traffic Safety, California drivers cited cell phones as their biggest concern in terms of driving safety. Distracted driving was the number one issue among 40% of drivers polled while drunk drivers ranked third on the list.

Each state currently has different regulations regarding cell phone use. For example, 35 states ban texting while driving while cellphone use by teen drivers is banned in 30 states. Just ten states have initiated a ban on both texting and talking while driving, excluding the use of hands-free devices. California currently allows the use of hands-free wireless devices but has made it illegal to text and drive.

A number of groups have shown support for tighter cellphone use restrictions, including several businesses and trade groups associated with the wireless communications and automobile manufacturing industries. Additionally, calls to end outlaw cellphone use while driving have extended to countries around the world, including Germany and Portugal.

While many drivers may see a total cellphone ban as an inconvenience, the NTSB sees it as an opportunity to reduce the number of serious and fatal car accidents that occur each year. Distracted drivers can cause injury or death to themselves, innocent passengers and other unsuspecting motorists. The victims and their families may be faced with the prospect of expensive medical bills, lost wages or even burial costs after being involved in a car accident caused by a negligent driver.

If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver, you need the help of an experienced personal injury to defend your rights. The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen LLP is available to assist car accident victims throughout California in proving their injury claims.

Call our Injury Hotline today at 1-800-722-0765 to speak with one of our car accident injury experts. There is no charge for your initial case evaluation and there is never a fee unless we recover a judgement on your behalf. Contact Nadrich & Cohen LLP today to get the legal help you need to win your car accident injury case.