Although traffic safety experts and lawmakers have long recognized the danger posed by drivers using cell phones and portable electronic devices, legislative responses to this public safety threat have been uneven. While some states bar use of a cell phone for calling or texting while driving, other states place no restrictions on receiving or placing cell phone calls. Specifically, these other states take the approach of allowing cell phone calls but only with a Bluetooth hands-free device. Said approaches taken by states in imposing cell phone driving restrictions have ranged widely, even as the debate was limited to texting and calling. However, the massive growth of mobile phone “apps” now makes a ban of all electronic devices behind the wheel worth considering.
Cell Phone Distractions: Beyond Texting and Talking
Most states now have laws that address talking and/or text messaging activity while driving. For example, Mississippi became the 45th state to ban texting and driving earlier this year. However, our state has not prohibited making or receiving phone calls on cell phones or limited such use to hands-free calling. As if the issue of protecting public safety from multi-tasking drivers was not complicated enough, an array of new distracted driving practices are now gaining popularity, such as:
- Posting status updates on social media sites
- Taking “selfies”
- Playing games
- Reviewing Facebook pages
- Using GPS apps
- Surfing the Internet
The expanding array of ways that motorists are distracted by cell phones makes it worth considering the merits of a complete ban on portable phones and other electronic devices while driving. The practice of permitting certain uses complicates enforcement of banned activities because law enforcement officers often find it challenging to determine how a cell phone is being used. Further, the use of a mobile phone to take a “selfie” or post a status update on Facebook would not seem to be any safer than text messaging behind the wheel.
Limitations on cell phone use by drivers makes Mississippi roads less dangerous. The Mississippi Center for Health Policy has estimated that the ban on texting and driving that was recently enacted would have saved almost a hundred lives between 2008-2112 if the law had been in effect. A global ban on all portable electronic devices while driving might save many more lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that states take this aggressive approach, but none have gone this far as of the writing of this blog post.
While it is unclear whether such a universal ban will become law, our Mississippi Auto Accident Lawyers see the devastating impact of distracted driving far too often. We encourage all drivers to abstain from using their cell phone, tablet, iPad, or similar devices behind the wheel. Barrett Law PLLC represents victims of distracted drivers. Contact our firm today at (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer questions you might have regarding filing your personal injury claim.