June 27, 2011
By: Jana Bell
Though legislative efforts have been made to reduce the number of accidents and auto insurance losses that occur because of distracted driving, federal officials say many aren't enough without a similar cultural shift.
Currently, drunken driving is seen as a taboo and shameful practice, members of the National Transportation and Safety Board said at a meeting, reported the Associated Press. Texting, talking on and otherwise using a cell phone needs to be frowned upon just as much in order to see more meaningful change, officials said.
The report highlighted one 2010 incident in which the pilot of a tug boat that was pushing a barge crashed into a tour boat. The pilot was making extensive use of his cell phone and laptop at the time, and the crash killed two passengers on the tour boat. Similar accidents are becoming commonplace on the nation's roads.
"This is going to reach epidemic proportions," NTSB member Robert Sumwalt told the AP. "It takes a generation or two to change it, but change is needed."
Despite the number of Texas auto insurance claims recorded each year that are related to distracted driving, one Texas official chose not to adopt a law banning adult cell phone use behind the wheel. Governor Rick Perry vetoed the legislation, saying he would prefer measures be created that educate adults on the harms of distracted driving.
For more about vehicle safety you can visit: The Department of Transportation Vehicle Safety Page
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