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Nationwide Cell Phone Ban Would Apply to ALL Drivers

In its strongest recommendation to date, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a nationwide ban on the use of "personal electronic devices" by any and all drivers.

The safety group is concerned not just about car drivers but anyone who operates a vehicle of any kind to include:

• Truck drivers

• Boat operators

• Commercial drivers

• Pilots

• Bus drivers

A Long List Incidents Caused by Electronic Distraction

The NTSB issued their latest recommendation following their investigation of an accident that involved a texting driver that hit the back of a slowed semi-truck while texting. This accident caused a chain reaction that involved two buses, a pickup truck and an 18 wheeler and caused 38 injuries and two deaths.

Cell phone records showed that the driver of the pickup who caused the accident had sent and received 11 text messages in the 11 minutes before the accident; the last message sent moments before he struck the back of the semi-truck. Other accidents and incidents caused by electronic distraction include:

• Two airline pilots that missed their destination due to distraction while using their personal laptops.

• An accident in which an 18 wheeler crossed the median and hit a 15-passsenger van. 11 people lost their lives and investigators found that the terrible accident was caused by cell phone distraction.

• A barge operator was using his cell phone and laptop while operating his boat when he ran over a "duck" boat, killing two tourists.

Many studies have been done to determine the impact of electronic devices on accident rates. One study found that commercial or large truck drivers are 163 times more likely to be involved in a safety critical event if they are texting, e-mailing or using the internet.

Will Rules and Regulations Stop Drivers From Texting and Driving?

This is the million dollar question. As texting and cell phone usage laws are fairly new, many studies are currently being done to determine if strict electronic usage laws make an impact on 18 wheeler accident rates in Grapevine, TX and across the nation. So far the results have been mixed, and it seems that only time will tell if lives are saved and accidents prevented when texting and talking are made illegal.

While new regulations may or may not be passed, as experienced Grapevine semi-truck accident lawyers, we know that too many drivers are using their time behind the wheel to multitask. We urge you to put down the phone and drive. There is no call or text worth a life.

If, despite your best efforts to drive aware, you are hurt during an accident with a semi-truck in Bedford, Richland Hills or anywhere in North Texas, contact an aggressive advocate of accident victim’s rights. This one phone call could mean the difference between moving on with your life and being left holding the bill. Call 817.380.4888 today to schedule your free consultation.