NTSB proposal banning cell phone use while driving breaks new ground
December 16, 2011
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a proposal on Tuesday, December 13 to the 50 states and Washington, D.C., to ban driver use of all portable electronic devices in a vehicle, including hands-free devices.
What this means
Tuesday’s proposal from NTSB generated headline news in major media outlets: it’s the first time in the history of this debate that a federal authority has suggested a total ban on cell phone use while driving. (Note that the NTSB does not make laws – it simply investigates crashes and makes recommendations.)
The NTSB’s proposal follows a final rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. This rule mirrors hands-free laws already on the books in nine states and aligns with pending congressional legislation pushing for a national hands-free law.
Whatever happens with the NTSB ruling, the trends are clear: laws and regulations are increasingly aimed at preventing cell phone use while driving for any purpose. The impact of this risky behavior on your company can be major in terms of increased crashes, claims, third-party liability, workers’ compensation claims and insurance expense. But research shows that cell phone laws are difficult to enforce, and by themselves they are not sufficient to change people’s behavior.
PHH can help you be proactive
Just last month, PHH introduced iNmotionSM, a technology-based solution that can help you get "in front" of this issue. PHH partnered with ZoomSafer to create the fleet industry’s first mobile application for smartphones that detects when employees are driving. Active controls from iNmotion will help your organization enforce compliance with federal, state or company-defined cell phone use policies.
Go here for information about the recent rulings on cell phone use while driving, as well as comprehensive information about iNmotion and how it can help you manage risk and enforce your specific cell phone policy.
For additional information, contact your PHH Account Team.
