Transport secretary wants phone use when driving banned

Using a cell phone behind the wheel and distracted driving are discussed a lot by officials over the past few years. Most states, about 30, already have a ban of some sort against phone use while driving. There are already projects within the works by the Department of Transportation, and Secretary Roy LaHood, who has put a high priority on it. Seems like that he will push for a national ban for any use of a phone behind the wheel. At the moment, the use of hands free devices and its potential for distraction is being looked into by the DOT. Resource for this article – Transport secretary wants phone use while driving banned by Car Deal Expert.

LaHood wants some actual facts

The heads of car manufacturers will be meeting with Roy LaHood. He is the Secretary of Transportation. He has asked, reports Automotive News, for some help from the car industry. He wants distracted driving to be discouraged more. There have already been numerous public campaigns for an end to driving while using a phone. The DOT has already gotten on this. It had made awareness of these dangers more widespread. Even Oprah has complained about those who text when they drive. Having a phone within the car is a bad idea no matter what. It will always be a distraction.

Ban can’t come from Congress

The state and local government control all the traffic laws. Each state has to decide for itself on the ban. The federal government has no jurisdiction there. Hands free cell phone technology is what the Department of Transportation is looking at right now. Many do not even know if Blue Tooth technology is a distraction. It is already installed in so numerous different car audio systems that it would be hard to change. The DOT explains that many road fatalities happen because of distracted drivers. About 16 percent do in fact.

It is illegal in most states

Restrictions against phone use has already been put up in 30 states. LaHood seems more interested in getting a ban on the whole nation. Social networking software, such as the Facebook feature that OnStar put forth, is already something he strongly discourages.

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