Is a Total Ban on Cell Phone Use in Cars Coming?

Earlier this month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended a nationwide ban of all portable electronic devices in cars. Current laws vary by state, but new laws are being added to the book that prohibit a driver from using a cell phone without a hands-free device, like a Bluetooth headset. Due to the deadly distractions caused by texting while driving, which require a driver to take his eyes off the road, many new laws are also being passed that ban texting while driving.

But the new NTSB recommendation would ban cell phone usage entirely - even with a hands-free device. We're concerned about the safety of you and your family and are glad that some of the cars that we sell are offered with hands-free and iPod integration. These types of technology can wirelessly link your cell phone or iPod to the car's audio or infotainment system, which makes it safer to operate while the car is in motion by allowing you to control your electronics from steering wheel controls that don't require you to take your eyes off the road.

How do you feel about the NTSB's recommendation? We're all for improving safety on public roads, but we also recognize that many of you lead busy lives. With the increasing amount of time that we all spend in our cars these days, chances are that you may have to answer a call while driving sometimes.

There is one thing for certain, however - texting while driving is never acceptable under any circumstances. Think about your life of that of someone else could be affected before you do it. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that while talking on a cell phone while driving is 1.3 times riskier than non-distracted driving, texting is a staggering 23 TIMES RISKIER.

If you're still not convinced, check out this interactive game from the New York Times that you can play to see good you are at texting and driving - you may be surprised at the results.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/19/technology/20090719-d...

Please remember to drive safely - and if you're interested in seeing a demo of the hands-free technology offered on our models, come visit us!