By Mike M. Ahlers, CNN
Washington (CNN) — Federal accident investigators Tuesday called for a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving.
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https://www.cnn.com/2011/12/13/us/ntsb-cell-phone-ban/index.html
2 Replies to “NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving”
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For 14 evenings since October I have stood on a corner in downtown Baltimore (while I waited for a bus or train) and counted the passing drivers, and whether they were using a cell-phone, and written the results down. I only record when I have watched for at least 10 minutes and 25 motorists and only if I can see both hands of the driver. I stand underneath some powerful street lights so I have a good look, and the curb is high and I am tall so I can really look down into most vehicles. I count every driver I get a decent look at including freight, commercial, law enforcement, buses, everything. I count westbound Lombard traffic, and north and south bound Howard st traffic. Always between 5 and 6pm, for an average of ~15 minutes. I have recorded the cell phone use of over 1000 drivers so far.
The results:
31.4% of rush-hour drivers (+/-0.8%) are breaking MD law and doing the single most dangerous thing they could….taking their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheels. I have witnessed two cell-phone involved accidents and countless near misses.
We gotta do better than this folks. Lets start small.
How about no cell phones while driving with kids? Makes the kids safer and models safety.
Lets focus some public health dollars, some prevention programs, and lets make it a misdemeanor offense that police can stop you over.
Kid in the car and cell-phone in hand = ticket.
Kids are distraction enough. Kids+ cell phone = no attention to the road.
I think this is a much needed and imminently do-able campaign….plus it could nip the problem in the bud for future generations.
We would all be safer. And when we are on foot or on bike, we would be that much safer. Campaign goal?
Another great post: https://dc.streetsblog.org/2011/12/15/ntsb-states-should-ban-hands-free-calls-while-driving/
You’ll find a little more detail plus this tidbit I want to highlight:
“Studies show hands-free devices provide no safety benefit,” says Focus Driven’s website