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Debbie Hersman, chairperson of the NTSB, recently announced this ban which will prohibit employees from cell phone use while behind the wheel.  Neither handheld or hands free devices will be allowed, unlike the state of California which has banned only handheld devices.  This announcement makes the NTSB the first federal agency to completely ban the use of any type of communications device while behind the wheel.

Currently, there are no states that have completely banned cell phone use while driving, making NTSB employees that only people who have stricter rules on cell phone use while behind the wheel.  Seven states do have a ban against handheld devices, but allow use of hands-free sets.  These states include California, plus the District of Columbia.

The National Safety Council believes that it is the actual conversation, and not the device, that takes drivers attention off of the road.  Banning cell phone use while driving has long been an issue with safety experts.  It seems that the distraction is believed to be caused due to having ones mind engrossed in conversation, and not the actual device itself.

Text messaging is another extreme danger, especially in teens.  According to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute just last month, texting while driving increased the odds of having an accident by 23 times when compared to a driver who was not sending text messages while driving.  In some states, cell phone use is allowed but laws put in to place have banned text messaging.  While numerous states have some form of cell phone use ban in place, these are mostly restricted to drivers of commercial vehicles and other groups.

Anyone using common sense realizes that when engaged in a conversation, whether with a hand held device or hands-free, the mind is occupied with other thoughts and not concentrating on driving.  Still, every state including California have avoided placing a complete ban on the use of communication devices while driving.  Perhaps the NTSB has now set an example that other states and federal agencies will consider following.

The Reeves Law Group has offices located throughout California, and is dedicated to the effective representation of San Francisco personal injury victims, including victims of car accidents.  Contact us for a free consultation at (800)644-8000.

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Source by Joel Mclaughlin