Would a Use of Cell Phone Ban Reduce Tennessee Distracted Driving Deaths?

Quite simply, the answer is a very probable yes. The National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) agrees. On December 13, 2011, they called for a nationwide ban on any use of cell phones by drivers, except in emergencies.

Because of the alarming number of accidents caused by cell phone use, many studies have been done. Some of the results of these studies are:

• 40% of teens say they were put in danger by cell phone use while riding in a car.
• Drivers using hand held devices are four times more likely to be injured in distracted-driving car crashes.
• Sending or receiving text message takes a driver’s eyes away from the road for 4.6 seconds. This can be compared to driving the length of a football field at 55 mph with your eyes closed.
• Any use of a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free) while driving delays a driver’s reaction time as much as a blood alcohol test of 0.8% does.

In a recent article published in the Huffington Post, Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, says that distracted driving, for any reason, causes up to 8,000 car accidents every day in the United States. Indeed, 95% of drivers in a recent survey agreed that texting or emailing while driving is deadly.

At this point in time, 30 states have prohibited novice drivers from using cell phones while driving. Nine states allow hands-free use, but ban hand-held. And 34 states have enacted bans on texting while driving.

To be fair, there are critics of the NTSB recommendation. They maintain that a flat ban will increase accidents because drivers will try to conceal their cell phone activities, causing even more distraction. They also call for more public awareness and education programs. They argue that the answer lies in willingness of drivers to take responsibility for their safety and that of others.

Meanwhile, the number of Tennessee distracted driving accidents continues to cause pain and suffering for many residents. If you have been the victim of a distracted driver, contact our Memphis auto accident lawyers to find out what your options are. Bailey & Greer offers you caring, considerate and aggressive legal representation for your Tennessee car crash. Call us today toll free at 901-680-9777 for a free case consultation.

We handle clients throughout Tennessee and Mississippi including Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, and Lakeland.