The National Transportation Safety Board is requesting that every state pass laws banning cell phone use in cars. However, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), who has sponsored an identical bill to be passed through Congress, said that the House should focus on creating the provision.
McCarthy said that the most effective way to achieve a nationwide ban would be for Congress to pass her Safe Drivers Act of 2011.  According to the Congresswoman, a congressional bill would guarantee that every state applied the same rules to the road.
“We can’t wait for multiple states to act, and we can’t afford to have a patchwork of laws where some Americans are more protected than others,” McCarthy said.Â
If passed, the bill would ban the use of “hand-held mobile devices” in cars, whether they are in operation or idling. However, Voice recognition devices would still be allowed.
“The simplest, safest solution would be a single national standard, like we have for blood alcohol content,” McCarthy said. “Texting while driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, and getting more and more common every day. All Americans deserve to be safe no matter where they’re traveling.”
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood added that the number of states that have implemented distracted driving laws—regulations the prevent texting and talking on the phone while driving—has increased from eight to more than 30 since he took office in 2009.
Remember collegiettes™, every time you hit the road, stay safe and put the cell phone down.Â
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