State Farm weighs in on the cell phone debate.
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended all states ban cell phones and other electronic devices for drivers.
The NTSB does not have the power to impose the restrictions, but the organization does have a lot of pull with lawmakers. The recommendation applies even to hands-free devices.
State Farm, which is based in Portage, MI, is highlighting a recent survey to back up the dangers of cell phone use in vehicles. The company is also citing its not only phone and texting that can be a problem. Out of 900 motorists, the use of mobile web services has increased dramatically over the last two years.
For drivers 18-29: Accessing the internet while on a cell phone while driving increased from 29-percent in 2009 to 43-percent in 2011. Reading social networks while driving increased from 21-percent in 2009 to 37-percent in 2011.
"While calls from NTSB and others to ban cell phones have focused largely on texting, it would seem that a growing and potentially larger concern for safety advocates is the rapid increase in the use of mobile web services while driving," said David Beigie, State Farm Public Affairs Vice President. "Additionally, while the focus has been on young people, the data also indicates that motorists of all ages are increasing their use of mobile web while driving."
The study found that 71-percent of drivers said they engaged in texting while driving in 2009. That number dropped to 64-percent in 2011.
Michigan banned texting while driving in June of 2010.
The NTSB recommendation is also getting a lot of reaction on UpNorthLive's Facebook fan page. More than 100 people have posted in response to the plan.
Elaine Eitrem wrote: "Absolutely, I think they should be banned because I don't think that you fully concentrate on your driving whether or not you have bluetooth or headset...How many years did we get along without them???"
Shirley Jacobs agrees but has an additional question, "I'm all for safety but, does that mean they are going to ban passengers too? Don't people have conversation with the people in the vehicle too?"
The NTSB's recommendation makes an exception for use of phones and other devices in emergency situations.
Do you agree with the NTSB and think cell phones and electronic devices should be banned from vehicles? Leave your comments below.
