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Not Many Want Full Bans on Phone Use While Driving

The National Transportation Safety Board recommended that all states ban cell phone use while driving – this includes use of hands free phone systems, texting, or any other use of the phone while behind the wheel. They recommend the ban on phone use for all drivers, whether driving a car, a school bus or a tractor trailer due to the number of car accidents caused by cell phone use.
The recommendation has resulted in a debate between people who feel a complete ban of phone use while driving is too excessive and those who feel everyone's safety is at stake.
There aren't many police officers who will object to a ban on holding a phone or texting while driving, but banning hands-free devices is not something everyone can agree on. The Sherriff of Putnam, Donald B. Smith, feels the distraction comes from typing a text into a phone or from having to hold the phone while you drive, rather than talking itself. “The real issue is keeping your eyes on the road,” he said. He even goes as far to say that using a hands-free device can be helpful to drivers who are on the road late at night, since the act of talking to a friend while driving will help you stay awake and more alert to avoid car accidents from fatigue.
There is no question that distracted driving causes many car accidents, but the general consensus is you can't save people from themselves – a ban on hands-free phone use could lead to a ban on changing CDs or radio stations, or from having a cup of coffee in the car.

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