NTSB wants complete ban of personal electronic devices while driving

13 Dec 2011

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling for a nationwide ban on the use of personal electronic devices (such as phones, laptops, tablets, etc.), while operating a motor vehicle.

"According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents," said chair Deborah A.P. Hersman. "It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving."

Referring to a Virginia Tech Transportation study of commercial drivers, the NTSB pointed out that safety-critical event is more likely to occur if a driver is texting, e-mailing or surfing the Internet.

Hersman said: "The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliness of distractions."