NTSB Calls for Cell Phone Driving Ban

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/11777/Motorcycle-Article/NTSB-Calls-for-Cell-Phone-Driving-Ban.aspxNTSB Calls for Cell Phone Driving Ban

Bart MadsonManaging Editor
Bashing away at an MCUSA keyboard for more than half a decade, Madson lends his scribbling input on everything from bike reviews to industry features and motorcycle racing reports.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011

 The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wants to ban all cell-phone use while driving. Having long advocated for restrictions against texting and cell use behind the wheel, the NTSB’s latest proposal is its strongest prohibition yet – extending its ban to include hands-free devices.
Members of the National Transportation Safety Board approved recommendations that include a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. The agency recommendation stems from the investigation of a fatal multi-vehicle accident in Gray Summit, Missouri. The incident in question occurred on August 5, 2010, when a GMC pickup truck collided into the back of a tractor-trailer that had slowed for road work. The GMC was in turn hit by a trailing school bus, with a second school bus hitting the first. The pile-up claimed the lives of two, including the GMC driver and a 15-year-old school bus passenger. Thirty-eight others were injured in the incident. Investigators determined, from phone records and witness reports, the GMC driver was texting while driving.
The NTSB investigation recommends the 50 states and District of Columbia “Ban the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices (other than those designed to support the driving task) for all drivers; (2) use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration model of high visibility enforcement to support these bans; and (3) implement targeted communication campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and enforcement, and to warn them of the dangers associated with the nonemergency use of portable electronic devices while driving.”
Another request from the NTSB appeals to the communications industry to develop systems that disable cell use while driving. Exceptions would be permitted for emergency calls, and cell phone use for passengers.
In a closing statement for the board meeting, NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said: “It is time to stop and assess what we are letting happen on our roadways. The needless lives that are lost. And, for what, convenience? For staying connected? A fatal crash severs that connection in the blink of an eye. What call, text, or update will be your last?”
The NTSB recommendations do not carry the power of law. The board’s positions, however, can influence policy in state governments.
Current government enforcement against distracted driving is a mishmash of restrictions that vary state by state. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association nine states and the District of Columbia prohibit use of handheld cell phones while driving. A total of 35 states and Washington D.C. forbid text messaging while driving. No state enforces a ban as far-reaching as the NTSB’s call for hands-free devices, though many states do forbid all cell use for certain drivers like novice drivers (usually defined by age-restrictions) and school bus operators.
Missouri law does not ban cellphone use while driving, but does forbid texting for drivers aged 16 to 21. The texting GMC driver faulted in the Gray Summit pileup was 19 years old.
A national plea for less distracted drivers will be welcomed by many motorcyclists. The AMA has issued a formal postion on distracted driving, but hasn't commented directly on the NTSB’s stance (still awaiting word). Driving organizations like AAA have already stated support of texting bans, but fall short of endorsing the NTSB hands-free position.
The NTSB hands-free ban also raises interesting implications for motorcycle riders. For example, would it extend to helmet communication systems?