NTSB Recommends Cell Phone Driving Ban; States May Disagree

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 27, 2011

The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) recent recommendation to ban all cell phone use while driving is already facing skepticism in many states, according to a recent article in The Washington Post.

One of the states shying away from a complete ban is Missouri, where a 2010 crash caused by a cell-phone-chatting 19-year-old in a pickup truck involved a tractor-trailer and two school buses, and caused multiple deaths and injuries. Since the crash, Missouri has had bills introduced in its state legislature to ban cell phone use behind the wheel. The bills were filibustered.

Missouri isn’t the only state that’s questioning whether a complete ban on cell phone use – even with hands-free devices – by drivers is necessary or wise. Both Idaho and South Dakota have avoided legislating a ban on cell phone use, even though South Dakota’s legislature has participated in campaigns to encourage drivers not to become distracted by electronic devices while they’re behind the wheel.

Currently, 25 states ban texting while driving, while 9 states and the District of Columbia ban hand-held cell phone use while driving. Cell phones are considered a major contributor in distracted driver accidents nationwide. If the NTSB’s recommendation becomes law, it will prohibit drivers from using cell phones in any way while driving, unless the situation is an emergency.

Cell phone use, especially texting, has been linked to a large increase in crashes caused by drivers whose attention is divided between their phone and the road. At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our experienced Washington cell phone car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping those who are injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers. To learn more about your legal rights and options after a crash, call us today at 888-228-3860.