National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) is calling for the first-ever nationwide ban on driver use of
personal electronic devices (PEDs) while operating a motor vehicle. Specifically,
the recommendation calls for all states to ban nonemergency use of PEDs for all
drivers (excluding those that support the driving task). The recommendation
urges use of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) high-visibilty
enforcement model.
“According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people lost their lives last year
in distraction-related accidents,” says NTSB Chair Deborah Hersman. “It is time
for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when
driving.”
A synopsis of the NTSB report, including the probable cause, findings and
a complete list of safety recommendations, is available here.