| This has been an ongoing debate in the country | | | | the subject of conversation that is more |
| for a long time now. Few states have even | | | | distracting to the driver. |
| imposed various levels of cell phone usage while | | | | People today are hooked on to their cell phones |
| driving. Now the National Safety Council (NSC) | | | | like never before. There are attractive cell phone |
| upped the ante by running a campaign asking for | | | | rate plans and cell phone family plans that ensure |
| a total ban on even keeping the cell phone turned | | | | non-stop connectivity with our near and dear |
| on while driving a car. | | | | ones. So whether one is eating, changing clothes, |
| The NSC last week sent letters to governors and | | | | in the washroom or driving, people are urged to |
| legislative leaders in all 50 states, urging them to | | | | answer the call on their cell phones, even if it is a |
| make the ban part of their motor-vehicle laws. No | | | | telemarketing call. |
| state currently bans all cell phone use while driving. | | | | In fact, NSG’s president and chief executive, |
| Six states- California, Connecticut, New Jersey, | | | | Janet Froetscher, likened talking on cell phones to |
| New York, Utah and Washington DC banned the | | | | drunken driving, saying cell phone use increases |
| use of hand-held cell phones behind the wheel. | | | | the risk of a crash fourfold. To support the claim |
| If one were to read between the lines in the | | | | NSC quotes a dozens studies that have found |
| enforced law, then it is perfectly legal to speak | | | | that using a hands-free phone while driving is no |
| using a hands-free set, text messages and even | | | | safer than using a handheld one. |
| play games in a cell phone while driving (okay, it is | | | | A total country-wide ban on all cell phone use |
| actually not possible to play games while driving). | | | | while driving would take several years to be |
| But practical experience shows that more than | | | | implemented. But it’s certainly an issue that |
| the act of holding the phone and speaking, it’s | | | | requires serious attention. |