While 54 percent of drivers usually have a wireless phone in their vehicle with them, only 3 percent of drivers are actively using that phone, according to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, which promotes education rather than prohibition as a solution to the driver-distraction controversy, said the NHTSA survey backed that proposal. “If 3 percent of drivers are using phones, that clearly doesn’t reach the threshold for legislation,” explained Dee Yankoskie of CTIA. “It does emphasize the fact that drivers need to be educated on the myriad of distractions they face-from eating, changing a CD, talking to other passengers or talking on a wireless phone.”
However, several governments are trying to emulate New York state’s recent action to outlaw dialing-and-driving. A number of bills that propose to limit cell-phone use in the car are springing up from coast to coast.
For example, Floridars involved in accidents.
Ironically, until last Wednesday, it was illegal to use hands-free devices-but not to talk on cell phones-while driving in Illinois, with the exception of police and emergency personnel. Illinois Gov. George Ryan said the new law, which permits the use of earpieces and single-sided headsets, will make the use of cellular phones while driving less distracting and dangerous.
