Group Proposes Ban On Cell Phones Behind The Wheels

Save

Posted: 4:50 AM Jan 12, 2009
Last Updated: 4:49 AM Jan 12, 2009

46 comments

A | A | A

A safety group is advocating a total ban on cell phone use while driving.

The National Safety Council says the practice is clearly dangerous and leads to fatalities.

The group's president likens talking on cell phones to drunken driving. She says cell phone use increases the risk of a crash fourfold, and that hands-free cell phones are just as risky as hand held phones.

The council examined more than 50 scientific studies before reaching its decision. One is a study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis. It estimates 6 percent of vehicle crashes causing about 2,600 deaths and 12,000 serious injuries a year are attributable to cell phone use.

No state currently bans all cell phone use while driving. Six states -- California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington -- and the District of Columbia ban the use of hand-held cell phones behind the wheel.

More Stories
House Fire Kills One In Lillington

Hospital Worker Tests Positive For Swine Flu

Sheriff's Office: Fishermen Nab Thieves

Search For Missing Teen In Pamlico County Waters

NEW INFO: Survivor From Ocracoke Fireworks Blast In Fair Condition

UPDATE: Suspect In Greenville Double Murder Claims Innocence

Memorial Parade On Ocracoke Island

Strong Storms ForThe East Tonight

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Hit by phone user Location: Jacksonville, NC on Jan 18, 2009 at 05:13 PM
After I was hit by a woman who decided to pull out from a side road while on her cell phone, I have had a sour attitude about drivers on their cell phone while driving. If the use of a hands free device was used I am sure the accident would not have occured damaging my truck in total and accuring doctor bills over $7,000 and I still hurt over 4 years later. People just seem to not pay as much attention to the road and surrounding things when holding onto the phone. A Law against driving with cell phones unless its a hands free device.

Posted by: Clifton Location: Washington on Jan 13, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I'm mot too sure about this talking and driving thing. People seem to be able to talk just fine. It's their driving that concerns me. Maybe we should just take away their VEHICLE and driving privileges.

Posted by: MrT Location: LaNC on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Instead of blaming cell phones, why not call it what it is. Stupid drivers. They are the problem, whether on the phone, eating, putting in a CD, changing stations on the radio, or just plain lost in LALA land. You get the point. I have always said that troopers should be able to write a ticket for just plain stupidity. That would probably be the biggest type of tickets that would be written.

Posted by: Rob K Location: Greenville, NC on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:55 PM
First, it is not just the kids..I've seen more middle-age to old drivers driving poorly using cell phones than teenagers or college kids in this area. But why get rid of cell phones; they are just a symptom. Get rid of drinking, eating, applying makeup, reading. A person who gets distracted while talking on a cell and driving will find other ways of distraction. Would a serial killer stop killing by banning guns? No, just slow him down. Like the governor of New York wanting to tax pop to stop childhood obesity, getting rid of a symptom does not help the problem. But of course, why use logic when this is the EASIEST fix to satisfy people. I've seen more major accidents in this town than I've ever seen in a major area...with a tenth of the people. Don't punish all for the stupidity of the majority...but again, that makes sense. Frankly, we should have all drivers in NC ride a motorcycle for a week, whoever survives without being in a major accident gets to keep their license.

Posted by: Cat Location: Gboro on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Obama Snake Oil> Oh yes. I can admit that I have been behind, beside, inh front of, and everywhere in between someone who was oblivious to everything due to their being on the phone. Just like (except that I accidently left out the word "not") Have admitted that I have used my phone for more than calling for assistance. I think most can say that. Probably even yourself. Its like I said, theres that certain few that mess it up for everybody. I gotta go with "Fed up".. I doubt theres anybody up here that can deny using the phone in the car. Maybe just not all of us have almost caused wrecks over it.

Posted by: Dave Location: Wilson on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:06 PM
There are already laws on the books for unsafe movement and dangerous/reckless driving. Those laws allow for anyone to be ticketed for any action that distracts from driving. Cell phones, food, radio. There is no need for additional laws from the Government. If they have a problem with you having a conversation on a hands free device, this is no different than speaking to someone in your car. People need to be very careful allowing the Government too much control over your life.

Posted by: Adult Driver Location: Duplin Co on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:34 PM
I have the hands free and its good as long as you are alone but mine is built into my car and comes through the speakers. If you are having a private conversation and have passengers then its not good to have. I guess with the good comes the bad though.

Posted by: SIlly on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM
I have driven with one for YEARS, I have NEVER come close to having a wreck while on one. I am SMART about my usage. It's the KIDS that are at the most risk. ( I've seen some adults driving poorly while talking too...). I get SOOOOOOOO much done while in the car and on the phone...A hands free deal is fine with me, it's akin to having a conversation with a passenger...but a total ban...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?

Posted by: S Location: Washington,NC on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:41 AM
It all comes down to using common sense;and yes,I have seen Many,Many instances in which the driver,on the cellphone of course,has almost caused wrecks that they were totally unaware of...If people would use common sense like a bluetooth headset & not talk all the time on the phone then maybe we would not be having this discussion....unfortunately,that is not the case and we all suffer for the misdeeds & carelessness of the few.

Posted by: fed up Location: greenville on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM
i bet everyone of you that is against cell phone use in a vehicle has used a cell or eaten, drink something, carry on conservation with passengers etc. stop complaining. this is suppose to be a free country but it is getting more and more a dictorialship country. next they will be telling you when you can kiss your spouse. (not me)people grow UP!

Posted by: Predictor 5000 Location: Commonsenseville on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM
If cell phone usage is banned, then smoking while driving should be banned...changing radio stations in the car should be banned, thinking about something other than the road should be banned...this is ridiculous! By the way, isn't this the reason we have cell phones in the first place...so we can communicate with others without having to stop at a payphone?

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Suggest a new rule or policy and the sheeple will follow. More government intervetion into your lives.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Cat, I don't think that if you car breaks down, IE, it won't move forward, its stopped, now you can "use your cell phone". You even have to admit you have been behind a driver that obviously, didn't have a clue about what was going on around them. Just this morning a young lady, talking on her cell phone charged a right turn while a pedestrian had right of way to cross. She never noticed him. The pedestrian had to step back from getting hit. Then there is my peav, if the cell is in the left hand, turn signals will not be used even though it is the law. Yes folks, it is the law. In Florida the law states you will be fined $175 per violation. So keep abusing this one, eventually, we will see similar laws based on abuse. By the way, the police cannot enforce the laws we have now. How do you think they will this one about cell phone use?

Posted by: jr Location: bath on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:44 AM
hey, nobody is saying you can't have a cell phone in the car...just that the driver can't use it when driving. makes sense to me. if you have to use it, then pull off the road with your emergency flashers on. i disagree with the banning of hands free. i have both, and i know hands free calling is much safer...for me, that is.

Posted by: john Location: Vanceboro on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:08 PM
It seems there is a large part of our population that can not fuction without a cell phone. I can almost see answering the phone, but how does one safely drive 60 MPH and dial a friend?? One has to take his eyes off the road to dail and do other things with a phone.

Posted by: Buzz Location: Mbx on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:25 PM
they aren't trying to remove cell phones from your vehicles. Just using them while the wheels are in motion. It aint a bad idea, I just hate more gov't intervention in my life. Maybe if folk used a little common sense and courtesy, but there ya go! Buzz-

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:04 PM
It's OK, to drink "just a little bit," and drive. It's OK, to talk "just a little bit," and drive. It's OK, to read "just a little bit," and drive. It's OK, to do make-up "just a little bit," and drive. All of these should be a "DWI" (Driving while impaired)

Posted by: Heavy Location: Washington on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:37 PM
We all break the rules every now and then. Saturday, on Carolina Avenue in Washington my family witnessed a very near miss. Problem is this person was so involved in their conversation they never even knew how close they came. Big trucks and little cars should'nt get aquainted in such a manner.Laws should not have to take the place of common sense. But thats what happens when we abuse the privileges that we mistake for rights.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:13 PM
The problem I have with totally getting rid of cell phones, even the hands free is with emgerices. In car wreaks, and terroist attacks, people need a phone. If were in my car driving away from a crazy person trying to hurt me, I would have to be calling someone. There needs to be at least hands free phones. I don't like the handheld phones for obvious reasons. Oh, I think they should ban people walking and talking on Cell phones in large shopping centers. They do not watch what they are doing either, drives me batty.

Posted by: Cat Location: Gboro on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:33 PM
It will be like anything else that they try to ban, people will still do it. I think cell phones are highly useful, but like many other useful things, they get used improperly, & cause problems. However, kind of like with guns, its not the cell phone creating the problem. It is the user. I will not get in my car without my cell (Or my gun). I live where there are a lot of back roads, and no payphones along many of my travel routes. If my car breaks down, I want to be able to call for help FROM my vehicle. Not walk 10 miles down a dark, rural road. I'm certainly going to sit here, & say that is the only circumstances in which I use my cell in the car, but I guess I'm one of those few lucky ones that can multi-task by maintaining control of my vehicle, & observation of my fellow drivers while talking on the phone :)

Posted by: hello Location: goldsboro on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:04 PM
I have seen people laughing while in conversation on their cell phone.To me and this is my opionion,Put your phone down while driving and concentrate on your driving.You can talk when you get your butt home.No one can tell me that you are fully focused on your driving when you are engaged in a conversation.People have become obsessed with cell phones.What did you do before the darn thing was invented?Let me tell you what you did.You talked with whoever when you got your butt home.Come on people,do not take another life because you were doing your thing on your cell.No one in their right mind can tell me that while you are on the cell,you are really concentrating on your driving.Some folks need to get real!!!!!

Posted by: Irritated Location: Ayden on Jan 12, 2009 at 04:38 PM
According to the study, it's not the device itself that causes the trouble in most cases, but the DISTRACTION it causes the drivers that allows accidents to happen. You pay more attention to what the other party is saying than on the traffic on the road.

Posted by: talker Location: cellie on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:57 PM
I'll continue to use mine because I actually dont have to look at my phone to TALK on it!

Posted by: Wilma Location: H-VEGAS BABY on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:11 PM
To Can't B serious- Sneezing is classified as an act of god. Do your homework first Einstein.

Posted by: Ed Location: Beaufort Co on Jan 12, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Bad idea. The news last week was about the next generation of cars which will have internet access. Drivers will need their cell phones to report all the wrecks that are going to happen while drivers in the new cars are surfing the net, watching ball games, movies and porn.

Posted by: Anne Location: Newport on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Where can I join the group? I think it is about time someone did think about what happens when people get engaged in phone conversations and not paying attention to their driving. I would love to see a law passed to prohibit the driver of a vehicle from using a phone while driving.

Posted by: betty Location: cortland on Jan 12, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Do you think it maybe time to put a stop to the cell phone crap? It should NEVER have been started. How many people have died or been injured because of someone using their cell. Cell phones should be for emergency use only when in a vehicle. I see people on them all the time and I don't think there are that many emergencies going on. Thanks for this group to try and put a stop to the cell usage in a vehicle.

Posted by: Carroll Location: NB on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:59 AM
I support cell phone use in a moving vehicle banned. IF people could/would use common sense when talking and driving (as in PULL OVER to talk), we wouldn't even need to be having this conversation, but they cannot. I can understand using it in some type of emergency situation but I bet 99% of the people are just chattering. Realtors made out just fine before the invention of cell phones, they can pull over too. I think they are some of the worst offenders talking while driving badly.

Posted by: about time Location: Greenville on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:59 AM
It's about time, I hope the ban gets passed. you can count on my vote for it.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Jan 12, 2009 at 09:27 AM
I don't agree with Anonymous. I drive a lot of miles every year and have seen the trend of cell phone distraction over any kind of distraction. I thought it was a woman thing but its both men and women. Rather than pull the side of the road, they use eratic speeds and swerving to announce that they are using their cell phones. This "me, me, me," driving has had me personally had close calls with drivers not "paying attention" to what is going on around them. Sitting at stop lights, never using turn signals, they are using the phone with their left hand and can't, changing lanes and not checking to see if there is anyone there, going through a red light, blocking a four lane "interstate" from Greenville to Washington and backing up traffic. I have never seen the issue with eating, drinking, smoking or talking as I have with cell phones. Pull on the side of the road like the rest of us, and stop risking your children's lives while taking them to school.

Posted by: walt Location: washington on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Its about time some group spoke up. I ride a motorcycle year around, I know that some riders on crothch rockets put themselves in harms way, I ride a Harley and and try to stay with the flow of traffic. I have been hit one time and ran in the canal another by cell phone operators. PLEASE ban them, my luck is bound to run out sooner or later.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: greenville on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:49 AM
cellphones are just the most recent. How many times have u seen someone eating, drinking, or putting on make-up going down the road, that should be just as illegal. But it'll be hard to spot somone using blue tooth or txting with the phone held low. And how about cops riding ur bumper while typing away on their laptop, pretty hypocritical if u ask me

Posted by: Can'tBSerious Location: Greenville on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:41 AM
The only one on this topic that even sounds like they are making sense is Anonymous. There are a lot of things just as distracting, if not more distracting than cell phones. What's next, are we going to get a ticket if we SNEEZE while driving?

Posted by: j Location: gVILLE on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Yeah, this will have to be enforced for law enforcement and other government officials. I see them on the phone all the time. BUT i dont think this will ever really pass because some people do their job on the phone like realtors, meeting clients. Some people just cant drive and talk at the same time. Dont let 21 and under get away with it.

Posted by: Marie Location: Holly Ridge NC on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:33 AM
My family are banned from using cell phone for speaking or texting while driving. This is a dangerous practise and should be banned and a fine imposed if caught.

Posted by: Wilma Location: stapthemorons, MA on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:32 AM
We see these about 2-3 times a year. Great idea. Will NEVER happen. Ignorance on the road has been allowed for way too long. It's kind of like giving your kid chocolate since the day he or she began to walk, and then taking it away from them. Eventually, they are going to eat it somehow, and they are going to make your life miserable at first and scream and yell. For those of you that argue that we do all sorts of stupid things on the road......this is true, but cell phone use is the biggest one. We live in an ignorant, selfish, careless society on the road. All you can do is watch yourself and hope you don't get killed. Nobody else cares.

Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:16 AM
When are we going to stop creating laws that restrict everyone's rights, just because a group of ignorant people can't perform at the same level as the rest of us? I talk on my cell phone while driving all the time and have never had any problems. I don't believe that talking on the phone while driving increases my chances of having an accident. Why should I be punished because other people can't do two things at once?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:44 AM
It is a wonderful idea, but they should also stop people from doing other things that are distracting while driving. Such as eating, drinking, smoking, having music playing, dvd for the kids in the back, driver not allowed to carry on conversation with anyone in vehicle. All the above are also very distracting. I would also advocate not allowing the police or other govt. employees to use cell phones while the vehicle is moving as they are no less easily distracted than the rest of us.

Posted by: Andrew Location: Havelock on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:28 AM
If it becomes a law will it be inforced like other Motor Vichile Laws alreadly on the books?

Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:26 AM
I also agree some people can not do two things at once. Talking on the phone with your teenage kid is distractive enough. Let a lone driving a car at 60mph while talking to them on the phone,and getting bad news. We will never know,but I always wondered how many car deaths were really caued by someone on there cell phones and not paying attention to the road. I think it is a good idea most of the states have banned them already. Maybe NC should get up with the times.

Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Common sense finally prevails. The problem is who will monitor the abuse? Unless the cell phones automatically become inoperable, once inside the vehicle, it will be difficult to enforce. All new vehicles should have onstar phone capability. The minutes must be affordable.

Posted by: Alma Gibson Location: Jacksonville on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Hands free devices should be allowed as long as long as the user has a good operational device. Some devices are not very good so they should steer away from them. However, the driver has to be responsible and held accountable. Hands free is better than one hand, however, if you take that away then its just the same as telling them that they can not speak to any passengers in their car. People should know what they can and cannot do. If you cannot talk and drive at the same time and still able to focus on the traffic then catch the public transit and use the phone as you wish. Oh but then you would have to watch out for your stop??????? Common Sense goes a long way.

Posted by: Carmen Location: NC on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:47 AM
I totally agree, it seems everytime I am behind a driver who is slow, or seems to be driving back and forth between the lines they are usally talking on a cell phone. It gets worse when the person is on the phone, and eating, and yes I have seen it going on. It has always been a pet peeve of mine, I was once driving and someone pulled out in front of me, then started to drive only about 10 miles per hour right on the highway. When I passed them I looked over and they were on a cell phone! I almost hit them, and they could have cared less. I can't stand cell phones on the road. Something needs to be done.

Posted by: Patrick Location: Winterville on Jan 12, 2009 at 06:33 AM
Great idea! People are bad enough drivers without having a cell phone to add to the mix!!!

Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:23 AM
It is a good idea.

Posted by: MADDOG Location: GREENVILLE on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:09 AM
You have my vote. Do it. If anything is that important why you are out,,there are pay phone everywhere.

Most Viewed
1.	NEW INFO: Survivor From Ocracoke Fireworks Blast In Fair Condition
2.	UPDATE: Suspect In Greenville Double Murder Claims Innocence
3.	Search For Missing Teen In Pamlico County Waters
4.	State Trooper Fired After Drunken Driving Arrest
5.	Overnight Shooting In Downtown Greenville
6.	UPDATE: McNair's Death Ruled Homicide
7.	Coroner: Teen 5th Killed By Apparent Serial Killer
8.	UPDATE: Children At Local Nudist Resort
9.	OFFICIALS: Husband And Wife Dead After Murder-Suicide
10.	Man Drags SC Officer During Stop

Services Held For Victims; Reward Offered In Case
748 Comments

NEW INFO: Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS Chief Speaks Out
319 Comments

Civil Rights Leaders Raise Concerns Over Race Issues Following Shooting
213 Comments

NEW INFO: Murder Warrant In Deadly 100+ MPH Crash
178 Comments

UPDATE: Suspect In Greenville Double Murder Claims Innocence
131 Comments

Report: Sarah Palin Announces Resignation
110 Comments

Hey, read the rules!

Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.

	CarSoup Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.

	Rental Guide Video tours to help you find your next apartment.

	Double Dollar Deals Save 50% from local merchants.

	Classifieds THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.

	Experts Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.

	Business Break Two minutes of info from local businesses.

	Attorneys On Call Free legal information on a variety of topics.

	Video Home Tours Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.