Safety Council Calls for Ban on Using Cell Phones While Driving

In a recent public safety notice, the National Safety Council is advocating a complete ban on talking on cell phones and texting while driving. The Council sited several recent studies to back this opinion all of which said talking on cell phones while driving is a dangerous activity:

• Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash while using a cell phone.

• There is no difference in the cognitive distraction between hand-held and hands-free devices.

• Cell phone use contributes to an estimated 6 percent of all crashes.

• 80 percent of crashes are related to driver inattention.

The Council will be supporting their cause by advocating state legislation, teaching the general public and businesses about the dangers of cell phone use while driving, and including cell phone use in their distracted driver training classes.

I truly believe the Safety Council only has our best interest at heart here, but I’m just not sure about a complete ban on cell phones while driving. I think most of us would agree that we are not fully aware of everything that’s going on around us while we are on our cell phone, but what’s next? A ban on GPS systems? What about listening to books on CD? And should we close all the drive-thru windows so you can’t have a soft drink and drive? What do you think?