Government Watchdog Group Says Hang Up And Drive
Alternative content
Government Watchdog Group Says Hang Up And Drive...
The National Safety Council says driving while talking on a cell phone is like driving drunk. It is saying states should ban drivers from using hand-held and hands-free cell phones. Count on WJBF...
The National Safety Council says driving while talking on a cell phone is like driving drunk. It is saying states should ban drivers from using hand-held and hands-free cell phones. Count on WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford for the story.
(Augusta) - It is a fairly common sight, someone talking on a cell phone in the driver’s seat. But, it may soon be against the law.
Janet Froetscher, President & CEO, National Safety Council: “It is a highly risky activity very, very risky but most people don’t understand that.”
Currently, 6 states require motorists to use hands-free phones while driving, but the National Safety Council is calling for a nationwide ban on the use of all cell phones while driving.
That sort of restriction doesn’t exist in any city or state.
Advocates of the ban argue that, hands-free or not, using a cell phone behind the wheel is a distraction comparable to driving drunk and increases the risk of getting into an accident by 400 percent.
Froetscher: “They think if they’re just careful it won’t be as big a risk. What the research is saying, no, for everybody, it is an enormous distraction if you’re on the phone.“
The safety group is also calling on businesses to prohibit employees from using cell phones while driving on the job.
Elijah Smith: “In my business i work with an insurance company so I’m always on my Blackberry and it’s always on a Bluetooth. As long as it’s on the Bluetooth and I have both hands on the wheel, there’s no inconvenience.”
And while a total ban may take years to come to fruition, many drivers already partly like the idea.
Natasha Poleate, Augusta: I just think it should be an age requirement on it. I think young drivers starting to drive shouldn’t drive while on the phone but i think older adults they usually know to keep their conversations short while they’re driving.
Do you think people should be banned from talking on their cell phones while driving? Take our poll here:
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
I can understand making laws to not hold a cellphone to your ear and talk but come on! Are you going to band talking to people in the car who’s riding with you also? Talking on the phone amounts to the same thing. If I talk to the person sitting in the passanger side or the backseat or heaven forbid, have too discipline my children, who is having an argument while I’m driving, what is the difference than talking on a cell phone? At least I can say hold on or I’ll call you back after I make this turn or get to where I’m going. I can’t do that with people in the car with me. I am still being distracted. I have more fear of having to sneeze while I’m driving than I would talking on the phone or someone else talking on the phone. Handheld devices deter talking on the phone but people can’t deter people nor can you really hold back a sneeze if you have too. Some laws just don’t make sense to waste our tax dollars on.
Advertisement