Do you think that commercial drivers, such as 18-wheeler truck drivers, should be banned from using cell phones, even if they have a wireless headset?
The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) wants commercial drivers to stop using their cell phones completely, even if they’re using a wireless device.
The NTSB says cell phones lead to distracted driving, and it is becoming more prevalent and dangerous on roadways. On the NTSB website, Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman says, “It can be especially lethal when the distracted driver is at the wheel of a vehicle that weighs 40 tons and travels at highway speeds."
According to their study, text messaging while driving and making phone calls have led to several crashes, some which were fatal.
In order to prevent future tragedies, the board is asking the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to consider banning all cell phone usage by commercial drivers in all 50 states. The groups will now consider the proposal, and research whether they will move forward with the ban.
Do you think that commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, should be banned from using cell phones, even if they have a wireless headset? Tell us why or why not here or on the NBC25 Facebook page.
