Although cellular telephones are convenient, there is an rising concern about the distraction they may cause in the car.
In today’s society, with people constantly on the run, ringing cell phones are present everywhere. Whether people are in the movie theater, the grocery store or a car, there is bound to be a cell phone nearby.
Across the nation, government officials are considering a ban on cell phone use in cars.
In Washington, New York and New Jersey, a bill already has been passed prohibiting hand-held cell phones in cars. There are 17 states total that have passed laws limiting cell phones usage on the road.
In Washington, the law against cell phones will require police officers to note if cell phones were used in the accident.
According to a poll that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted, 75 percent of people consider it unsafe to drive while talking on the phone. Also, 74 percent of the people said that state or local government should enforce laws on cell phones while driving.
This may cause Louisiana residents to question if our state is next. Presently there are no plans to make cell phones illegal while driving.
Ben Pressburg, program coordinator and Public Affairs officer at the State Highway Safety Commission, said people using cell phones while driving is not the biggest concern.
“The number one cause of injury or death is alcohol and the second is non-use of seat belts,” Pressburg said.
Currently, there are not many accidents that are caused by cell phones.
“It is hard to certify that they were on the phone during the accident, because you must have an eye witness or a hard testimony,” Pressburg said.
Unless there is a “public outcry” against cell phone use in cars, Pressburg said there will not be any government action towards this matter.
Pressburg said if there were a sudden increase in cell phone-related accidents, then a punishment, such as a fine, probably would be enforced.