Recommended Cell-Phone Ban Comes as 'Shocking,' 'Heavy-Handed' to Some
In 2009, more than 5,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. Another 448,000 were hurt in crashes related to such incidents.
December 20, 2011
4 Min Read
By Josh Long
“Shocking” and “heavy-handed.”
That is how some observers reacted last week to a recommendation by a federal government agency to ban the use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices while Americans are driving.
Horace Cooper, an adjunct fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research, characterized the National Transportation Safety Board recommendation as a “remarkably heavy-handed action.” The NTSB on Tuesday recommended that all 50 states and the District of Columbia ban the non-emergency use of portable electronic devices for all drivers.