Government

U.S. Dept. of Transportation Weighing Ban on All Driver Cell Phone Use?

In an attempt to make Americans safer drivers, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says his agency is preparing research that may lead to an Obama administration push for a national ban on all driver cell phone use, including hands-free devices.

In a recent interview, LaHood said he believes motorists are dangerously distracted by any use of mobile phones while driving and even objects to vehicle information and entertainment systems such as Ford‘s Sync and GM’s OnStar.

“I don’t want people talking on phones, having them up to their ear or texting while they’re driving,” LaHood said. “We need a lot better research on other distractions.”

According to Bloomberg, LaHood’s escalating campaign “may limit the growth of vehicle features… being added by automakers to attract younger buyers.”  In addition to limiting carmaker’s options, a nation-wide ban on cell phones may also hurt significantly hurt the revenues of mobile-phone companies such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

LaHood has also characterized hands-free phone conversations as a “cognitive distraction” and drivers should be prohibited from using them.  The government may turn to the “power of the purse” to pursue a ban:

The Transportation Department’s powers to push further limits on distracted driving range from exhortations to setting standards backed by the federal government’s financial clout. The government previously awarded highway aid to states based on whether they raised the legal drinking age to 21 or required seatbelt use.

“In one year, we have made a difference,” LaHood said of his effort to win state restrictions. “Our goal is to get all 50 states.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety condemns LaHood’s campaign against distracted driving, saying he should focus resources on other safety efforts.  A study the Institute released last month concluded that laws banning texting while driving don’t actually reduce crash numbers.  In a look at four  states which passed bans, the study found the overall number of car crashes increased in three of the states — a likely result of drivers taking their eyes off the road even more to try and text while simultaneously hiding their handheld device from view of passing police patrol cars.

The campaign against distracted driving and the use of mobile phones in the car will continue in stages, LaHood said.

“The bottom line for me is to get where we’re at with seat belts and with drunk driving,” he said. “When those programs were started, people were very skeptical that you could get people to buckle up.”

Comments (158)

  • usualsuspect
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:46pm

    It is useless to make another law to protect people from them selves. Lets face it you can make life idiot proof and by tomorrow you will have a better idiot. my opinion is that we already have laws that cover reckless driving they should be enforced first

    Report Post » usualsuspect  
    • BoilitDown
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 1:57pm

      “usualsuspect”: I absolutely agree your take on manufactuing idiots. I say the same all time and cite it as one of the major reasons the human race is devolving.
      I would only add that the USDOT is overstepping it‘s boundries again with state’s rights.

      Report Post »  
  • Craig
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:39pm

    More progressive, nanny state bull-crap. Not only is this unconstitutional and none of their business, if they‘re going to pull this then they’d better outlaw listening to the radio or for that matter, even talking with passengers! This is just one more evil way to take control of our lives! Stay the hell away from me!

    Report Post » Capt'nYams  
    • unionrockstar
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:37am

      I agree with the nanny state deal:
      However, sometimes we need laws to protect us from an individual who has no regard for the safety of others. ie…my granddaughter and my soon to begin driving grandson.

      Report Post »  
  • Serendignity
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:36pm

    I don‘t know if it’s right or wrong but I know I’m sick and tired of government intrusion in every single damn aspect of our lives. Sick to death of it.

    Report Post »  
  • extexjb
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:21pm

    Some people cannot drive 5 minutes w/o having a phone stuck to their head! It is up to each state to decide, NOT the FEDS….but something must be done…pull over & talk, use only in an emergency. I’m afraid though that MANY people are addicted…truly addicted…gee, it could be another reason for intervention!

    Report Post » extexjb  
  • shotgun
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:19pm

    You cannot make a law for everything. How did we ever let these a holes run this country. We should just all be jailed @ birth so nothing happens. RISKS are the COST that WE ARE WILLING to take for our FREEDOM. That is what makes us americans. I would like to see these law makers literally slung out of their office. Maybe rub their face in some dog poop and say NEVER come back!

    Report Post » shotgun  
  • extexjb
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:03pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post » extexjb  
  • FANGS
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:02pm

    Oh i’m sure this will only apply to white people. And the minority’s and the unions will be exempt.

    Report Post »  
    • RedStateBlues
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 12:16am

      Useless comment. What the hell does race have to do with this topic?

      Report Post » RedStateBlues  
    • Freelancer
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 10:46am

      It’s called “satire” dude… Lighten up. It highlights the absurdity of the federal government. Kind of like the teachers unions being granted an exemption from the health care law that they lobbied for as well as Muslims being exempt from it. Does this really need an explanation?

      Report Post » Freelancer  
  • extexjb
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:01pm

    Reminds me of a story about a young woman talking with her mother as she pulled out in front of an 18 wheeler! The last thing the mother heard her daughter say was, “JESUS CHRIST!!”
    People CANNOT drive safely while using any phone…hands on or hands off! Texting…OMG…even scarier!! Hate the idea of another ‘freedom’ taken from us but…………..

    Report Post » extexjb  
    • TheBees
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:58pm

      Yes you can drive safely while talking on a cell phone! I do it every day! The difference is I tend to pay even more attention to the road while talking than I do to the person I’m talking to. Every state has a law dealing with distracted driving, we don’t need a redundant law!

      Report Post »  
  • Steve
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:52pm

    Yay. Next thing you know we’ll have a “driving czar”, a “cell phone czar”, a “texting czar”, a “GPS czar”…

    Report Post » Steve Smith  
  • WISEPENNY
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:48pm

    Hands free communication should not be banned. It is essential to some transportation services. So is navigational assistance equipment like Tom Toms next on the “nanny state” hit list?

    Report Post »  
  • booger71
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:31pm

    First cell phones, then eating, smoking, talking, singing. What’s left

    Report Post » booger71  
  • sWampy
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:28pm

    While I don’t think we should ban phone calls, we should educate these idiots have such small brains, that they get so bored driving more than a mile they have to talk on the phone, they certainly can’t entertain themselves. I drive 50 miles each way to work, and I bet 75-80% of the people I pass/pass me have cell phones stuck to their ears.

    Report Post »  
  • RichardSaunders
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:25pm

    More Nanny State intrusion into everyday life. Soon you won’t be able to hold a conversation with the person sitting in the passenger seat because it will be a “cognitive distraction” … texting? I get it. Hands free conversation? Cm’on …. REALLY? Just more government trying to control what you do in the name of “THEY” know better than you do, what is good for you …

    Report Post » RichardSaunders  
  • OTFLOL
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:25pm

    But should we also ban radio talk shows from the car? How many times are we distracted and yell at our radios. There should be no ban but heavy fines if you use and cause an accident. Same for the fools that eat and drive!

    Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:24pm

    Will only high-powered, politically connected corporations and Big Labor groups be spared?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • milleranch
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:17pm

    Talking on cell is only one of the driving distraction but what is next, how about changing a cd or messing with the radio, then we should not look at street signs, drinking a coke, talking with your passages, a bump in the road, the list can go on and on there are so many distract while driving. I think they ought just butt out and leave us alone.

    Report Post »  
  • Madisonian
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:08pm

    It’s just another way to limit freedom and hurt a variety of companies. Wireless providers will have less people with enhanced plans, headset providers will lose significant revenue, and those of us that actually work lose productive time in our days to conduct business. Just another nudge to bring us back to the pack. Anyone else hear that, it’s another shredding of the Constitution.

    Report Post »  
    • DaytonConserve
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 2:20am

      Union leaders and certain special interest groups will get a waiver. Similar to the Politburo handing out special favors to the elite.

      Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:05pm

    To Freedom of Speech: Yes, you are right, leave it to the states instead of the over powerful feds. But let’s have the conversation!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • FreedomOfSpeech
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:10pm

      @RightPolitically I agree. Dialogue is always good. I do recognize the danger. I’ve even seen people reading books while driving! I just don’t want to give the federal government any more power than they have now.

      Report Post » FreedomOfSpeech  
  • Zcat
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:04pm

    Here’s another outrage from Capital Hill… In the Lame Duck session “the U.S. Senate plans to ram through a taxpayer-financed death benefit for the family of recently deceased Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) in a must-pass appropriations bill.

    The appropriations provision would award Byrd’s children and grandchildren a “gratuity” of “equal shares” of the late senator’s $193,400 salary that he would have been paid next year if he had lived.

    Let me see if I’ve got this straight: The families of dead senators receive death benefits at taxpayers’ expense; the families of dead taxpayers pay death taxes to help pay for a bloated government of the politicians, by the politicians and for the politicians.”

    Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2010/10/07/senators-get-death-benefits-taxpayers-get-death-taxes/#ixzz11ojRn5L7

    Report Post »  
    • CactusPatchGirl
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:56pm

      This is outrageous!! What about all the military families whose spouses never come home? They don’t get a dime and most of them leave behind children also. That money should go to deserving people who put their lives on the line for our freedom, not some bloated politician whose families are already fat with cash.

      Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:03pm

    Radios, CD players and passengers can be distractions, will they banned as well?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:03pm

    no more power for the fed period. in fact i say we strip them of most of the power they have now and return it to the states

    Report Post » Psychosis  
  • FreedomOfSpeech
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 8:58pm

    No, no, no! This is a local government/state issue. Talking on cell phones while driving is dangerous but we should not give the feds any more power than they already have.

    Especially when the government is run by a book-burning fascist.

    Report Post » FreedomOfSpeech  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 8:57pm

    I hate assaults on our freedoms by government in general. Perhaps the time has come though, for a ban on cell-phone talking while driving. One hand on the wheel, the other holding a phone or not, it’s a danger. Worst of all is seeing a mother distracted, using a cell-phone while driving with a baby on board. Time has come!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • FreedomOfSpeech
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 8:59pm

      But shouldn’t we leave this up to states and local municipalities? Why give the federal government more power than they already have?

      Report Post » FreedomOfSpeech  
    • CanIGetABreak
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:15pm

      I believe it’s a state and municipality issue. Where I live, there is absolutely no texting and driving. if you are under 18 you cannot use a phone in the car, and then it’s hands free only until 21, then you can use a phone. Our city made it illegal to talk on a cell phone in school zones.
      I believe it’s a local and state issue, the fed does not need to get involved.

      Report Post »  
  • MiketheTrucker
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 8:56pm

    Simply put, that’s unconstitutional!

    Report Post »  
    • RightPolitically
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:01pm

      Perhaps it is unconstitutional, I don’t know. But let’s have that conversation. Remember, lot’s of times others are killed or injured by distracted cell-phone using drivers!

      Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • Kalait
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:09pm

      Many of the departments of our current government function outside their constitutional boundary. However, stupid is stupid, driving whether distracted from texting on a cell phone, calling up music on the Ipod, reading a good book, or many other activities we all have seen. It tis time to remove those who can not control their activities from behind the wheel of any vehicle which can carry passengers! Their getting to work, or other required sites is their problem, public safety falls under the guise of the separate States and localities, It in now time for the federal government to butt out of State business. BTW: Police officers are just as guilty of doing stupid things behind the wheel.

      Report Post » Kalait  
    • jdmeac
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:17pm

      Can’t get any simpler than that. If the Constitution doesn’t say they can do it, then they can’t do it.

      Report Post »  
    • mamawalker
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 8:05am

      Eating, putting on makeup, talking to others in the car, looking for something you dropped…please people wake up…you can’t legislate personal responsibility…everyone is guilty of not paying 100% attention while behind the wheel…this will be another failed government intervention and just another intrusion that is not necessary.

      Report Post »  
    • Promotefreedom
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:39am

      Hahaha constitutional? Does the Obama admin even know what the constitution is? Oh yeah, they know… It is something to circumvent, just like congress.

      It has been proposed to require GPS be on every cell phone, in order that the government can mandate the cell service providers to shut off service while the phone is in motion (traveling down the highway). Problem solved.

      Or, you know what? How about a government mandated web-cam be built into the steering wheel of every new car, to keep an eye on the driver… to make sure that the no eat/makeup/talk to anyone while driving law can be enforced. You know, send out tickets, like the red light and speeding cameras do now. Perfect.

      Oh heck, while we are at it, why not attach a GPS unit to every new car too! That way the government can tax every mile you drive, and fine you for every MPH over the limit you go. Another winner I think.

      (Don’t be too quick to dismiss these – it could be in the name of creating government jobs – Trumka needs more members!!!)

      Report Post »  
  • Contrarianthinker
    Posted on October 8, 2010 at 8:53pm

    Good!!!!! Studies clearly show that the likelhood of fatal accidents increases greatly when driving and using cell phones. I hope the punishment is severe.

    Report Post »  
    • pscully17
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:16pm

      eliminate motor vehicles and you would have NO motor vehicle accidents!! The end!

      Report Post »  
    • pscully17
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:22pm

      the best way to eliminate Motor vehicle accidents, is to ELIMINATE MOTOR VEHICLES!!! which is funny the Obama Admin is worried about sving lives, they have a history of blatantly showing contempt for the IGNORANT Citizens!! Take a pain Pill instead of getting the sugery ideology! right obama?

      Report Post »  
    • Kalait
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:53pm

      There should be a ban for Texting and other distractive activities while driving for police as well.

      Report Post » Kalait  
    • uneedmorekoolaid
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 10:19pm

      this should help with healthcare right? hmmmm????

      How about making it tougher to get a license? too many idoits already are on the road. and at 60 you have to take your test every 3 years until 70 when you take it every other year. love when the blueblocker glasses wearing cotton top is on her cell phone with the left turn signal on for 3 miles in the right lane doing 25 in 45mph zone! cell phones are only part of the problem, stupidity is a huge part too.

      Maybe we should ban STUPID PEOPLE FROM DRIVING TOO!!

      Report Post » uneedmorekoolaid  
    • DrammyCoke
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:13pm

      Honk if you love Jesus!!!! Text while driving if you want to meet him.

      I drive alot, 50k miles a year and have not been in an accident for 20 years. I talk on my mobile phone with a bluetooth headset, I will continue to do so even when it’s illegal, I have to make the best of my time.

      Report Post » DrammyCoke  
    • CJKWA
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:33pm

      What a bunch of bull! Cite the “studies” please!

      Where in the Constitution does the Federal Government derive its authority to regulate your cell phone use in a car? If a state or local authority wants to make such a law, fine, but the feds need to mind htier own business!

      How is talking on your cell phone any more dangerous than eating a Big Mac while going down the road, yet that is legal…

      Report Post » CJKWA  
    • Loki
      Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:51pm

      Wow…
      Another attempt by the Feds, sorry.. the tyrants to take away our ability to things as we wish.
      first it was seatbelts to save their buddies in the insurance money, next it was manditory healthcare, now this..
      pound sand dear tyrant… pound sand…

      Report Post » Loki  
    • Robert W
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 12:43am

      Yea Ill be breaking that law daily.

      Report Post »  
    • pmjme
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 1:04am

      It’s far more dangerous to drive with screaming kids in the back. Next thing you know gov commies will be trying to outlaw that!

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 3:49am

      I have started turning my phone off when I get into the car. I have no idea how teenagers can text and drive…oh wait….they can’t!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-cd

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Post-Progressive American
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 5:10am

      Be careful what you ask for…a ‘national ban’s like this is just another case of the Federal Government over-stepping its authority…give them an inch and they will take a mile.

      Personally, I agree with the ban, just not at a national level. This type of regulation falls to the States.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 7:18am

      Yea… trade your freedom for security. REAL SMART!!…You are a bunch of numbskulls!!

      More governmnet control NEVER works!!! WAKE UP!! Where does it end, all of us on bicycles???

      Report Post »  
    • Conservative Grinch
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 7:57am

      You have an undisciplined mind.

      By what authority does the federal whore have to pursue that mandate? By what Constitutional mandate does the Kong Regime have to peruse such a course of action? Let me guess the Obama thug will begin to beat profusely upon its chest. It will withhold federal highway funds stolen from the people in order to blackmail the States into complying by his unlawful dictates.

      I have a better ideal let’s eliminate the federal middleman. Let’s return the money back to the people. Let the States raise through taxation the money they need to govern their own affairs without undue interference from the federal whore. Self Government an unalienable right, not a privilege!

      If want to cell phones banned while driving do it through the proper channels. Contact your state legislature and express your concerns. We elected that stupid jackass to the position of President of the United States not as a State legislature.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSince1619
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 8:15am

      Is having conversation on a hands free phone (required in most locals I think) any more of a “cognitive distraction” than talking to a passenger? I’m pretty sure that people have been talking while driving for about a hundred years now.

      Next they will be banning talking, and radios.

      Federal Government, get the &*#& out of our lives!

      Report Post » AmericanSince1619  
    • cicero1776
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 8:47am

      First they wanted my SUV, then they wanted my cell phone, now they want my SYNC. When will they want my kids in the back seat?

      Report Post » cicero1776  
    • UprootedYankee
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 8:48am

      So it will be much safer to have thousands of cars pulling off onto the shoulder to make a phone call and then trying to merge back into traffic, huh? Studies show that in states where texting has been banned, accidents have increased. What’s next? A law about drinking coffee while driving? Some accidents are caused by spilled coffee!

      Report Post »  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 10:00am

      Good?!?! Who the h*ll are you?

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • jcldwl
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 10:22am

      They are just using this as a way to infringe on more of our freedoms. I don’t agree with cell phone use, especially texting while driving either. In fact I am selling my motorcycle because the distracted drivers have become to plentiful but, I don’t believe a law to ban it is what we need. It truly is no worse than the driver who constantly looks at the passenger while having a conversation instead of watching the road. Or the woman putting on her make up while driving, or the man shaving while driving down the road, or the driver reading a book while driving down the road, or the parent that is turned around scolding their children in the back seat, while driving down the road. or the driver eating while trying to drive. etc. etc. Less government intrusion in our lives is what we need not more.

      Report Post » jcldwl  
    • Waiting4George
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:05am

      pscully17
      Just what they want–more cars off the road.

      Report Post »  
    • Contrarianthinker
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:14am

      First, yes it should be a state issue except when a person is engaged in interstate travel. It does involve other peoples safety. Motorcycle helmuts don’t. Seat belts don’t.

      Second, it can dealt with by charging huge car insurance rates after one has an accident while using a cell phone.

      Third, criminal charges should be brought and heavy jail time for negligence leading to the death of another person.

      Fourth, to eat a hamburger, use a cell phone, etc or anything distracting your attention is a VERY SELFISH act. You’re knowingly placing property and life at risk.

      Report Post »  
    • Devil in Arkansas
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 1:47pm

      If the Fed (who shouldn’t even consider sticking their nose in this anyway) manages to abolish any cell phone use while driving, then the following activities/items should also be included:

      1. Consuming any beverage
      2. Consuming any food
      3. Listening to a sound system
      4. No children (or annoying in-laws) unless they are bound and gagged
      5. No GPS
      6. No smoking (of anything)
      7. No window tint
      8. No animals (see number 4)

      Obviously, none of the above apply to Politicians, Law Enforcement, Illegals, or those who would object on religious or medical grounds.

      Report Post » Devil in Arkansas  
    • Conservative Grinch
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 2:48pm

      “First, yes it should be a state issue except when a person is engaged in interstate travel.”

      The problem with America is that her citizens have not read or understand the Constitution. Thus, we have a runway whore for a federal government that quiet frankly has degenerated into a Marxist Tyranny. Here is one simple test if a federal law has constitutional merit or not. Does it require a Sovereign State to pass it under duress of financial blackmail? If the answer is yes, then federal whore has overstepped it’s bounds and actions are governed by no legal authority.

      I’d be very careful of reading too much into the commerce clause. One lawless Michigan Federal Judge has ruled that commerce clause does indeed allow the Federal Whore to mandate individual health insurance. It seems to me that unlimited use of the commerce clause by the Federal Whore to justify its actions amounts to a grave breach of our liberty.

      Report Post »  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 10:04pm

      Ladies farding while they drive is a major cause of traffic accidents worldwide. Who’s seen this lady in their town: She’s got a phone tucked in her neck, a coffee in one hand, a cigarette sticking out of her mouth, and on top of that, she’s farding. On occasion she may have a dog in her lap.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • TheBees
      Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:38pm

      Ok using the same stupid logic then every vehicle should never have more than one person in the vehicle. talking on a cell phone using a hands free device is no different than talking to a passenger in your car!

      Report Post »  
    • Mousey
      Posted on October 10, 2010 at 1:59am

      Hahahaha

      Report Post » Mousey  
    • valricoslash
      Posted on October 10, 2010 at 4:48pm

      I agree with UNEEDMOREKOOLAID regarding making it tougher to get a license.

      First I would change the driving age to 18 or graduation from high school whichever is later. This will encourage kids to stay in school. You can get your license with your diploma. it will also eliminate the need for acres of parking at local high schools because no students will be driving to school.

      Second I would make the test much harder. While I was stationed in the UK back in the early 1990s we had to pass a British driving test to drive in England as a GI or family member stationed there. The text consitedof 100 questions, not 10, like here in the States. Fifty were on general driving rules of the road and 50 wer on the international signs. You had to get a 90 percent on both sections to pass. Now if you were a British citiizen,, you had to attend a private driving school (very expensive) and one you passed your test you had to drive for one year with a big “L” (learner) on the back of your car so people knew enough to stay clear of the inexperienced driver.

      Here in America, you go to the testing station, take a 10 question test in your choice of languages, and get bonus points for spelling your name right. All you have to have is a 60 or 70 percent to pass. Then after you get your license, you can foreget everything that was or was not on the test within 5 minutes of leaving the testing station, and text message your friends to meet you at Mikey Ds to pile in the car and go for a joy ride while texting ech other between the front and back seat. America–what a country!

      Report Post » valricoslash  

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