A recommendation from a federal agency for all states to ban the use of cell phones behind the wheel is drawing praise from a Wisconsin auto group. The National Transportation Safety Board voted unanimously Tuesday on a policy suggesting all states consider adopting laws against using cell phones and other portable electronic devices while driving, even if those devices are hands-free.
Pam Moen with AAA-Wisconsin says the NTSB went much further than she expected it would, although she welcomes the proposal. Moen says it’s the first time a major transportation safety agency has endorsed the concept of a total ban on cell phone use by drivers.
Moen notes that, just a few years ago, the idea of a texting ban was hard for many states to accept. Now, Wisconsin is among 35 states with a ban in place. Moen says the NTSB’s support of extending a ban to all cell phone use could help build momentum for the idea quickly.
The NTSB says there are growing concerns about the impact of technology on drivers. The recommendation follows the review of a deadly crash in Missouri that was caused by a texting driver.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:12)
Contributed by Rick Schuh, WHBY
