North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has suggested that local, state and federal officials make it illegal for all drivers to use a cell phone or any other type electronic devices behind the wheel, according to the Citizen-Times. The recommendation comes after a federal meeting to discuss the fatal Gray Summit, Missouri, traffic accident in 2010 where a distracted driver allegedly killed two people and injured about 40 more. The driver's phone records concluded that the driver made more than 10 phone calls and text messages just minutes before the accident. This is just one of the millions of accidents that are caused by distraction drivers every year.

Roughly 3,100 people were killed in distraction-related car accidents in places like Gaffney, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina and elsewhere in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Our Asheville, Gaffney and Spruce Pine car accident lawyers understand that at the time of the Missouri accident, the state had a law in effect that prohibited drivers under the age of 21 from text messaging at the wheel. Still, every single driver in the state is allowed to talk on a cell phone while driving. States with scattered laws like Missouri's make it difficult for officers to enforce these types of laws. There is virtually no way to tell if a driver was speaking with someone on the phone (which is oftentimes legal) or typing a text message (which is oftentimes illegal).

"Needless lives are lost on our highways, and for what? Convenience? Death isn't convenient," said Deborah Hersman, NTSB chair member. "So we can stay more connected? A fatal accident severs that connection."

As of now, there are 35 states that prohibit drivers from sending and receiving text messages while driving, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. There are no states that ban all drivers from using cell phones. Nine states currently prohibit the use of cell phones while driving, though.

On November 23rd, the agency enacted a law to prohibit drivers of commercial vehicles from talking on hand-held phones while driving. If these drivers are busted, they can face a $2,750 fine.

"This recommendation by NTSB is a national call to action to end distracted driving due to cell phone use. This is a growing public safety threat that needs to be addressed by legislators, employers and every person who operates a motor vehicle on our nation's roadways," said Janet Froetscher, of the National Safety Council (NSC).

The NSC is backing the recent recommendation from the NTSB. While the NTSB doesn't have the authority to make laws, its recommendations weigh heavily on the decisions made by local, state and federal lawmakers.

Drivers are asked to voluntarily practice safe-driving habits and to curb distractions while operating a motor vehicle. Distraction-related accidents are completely preventable. Be responsible behind the wheel and help to make our roadways safer for everyone.