By Lucas Willard
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-997254.mp3
Pittsfield, MA – Since Tuesday's recommendation from the NTSB, many government officials across the US have been reluctant to agree a ban on phones should be the law of the land. Some states already do have bans on texting and cell phone use while driving. Nearby, New York and Connecticut have already placed bans on cell phone handset use and texting. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts allow handset cell-phone use for all drives but outlaw texting.
A Virginia Tech survey showed that texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
Massachusetts instituted it's texting ban in September of 2010, but has some have found difficult to enforce.
Jeff Larson is president of the Safe Roads Alliance, a Massachusetts-based advocacy group. He thinks the idea of a nation-wide ban on all cell phone use could go a little-too far, but he does agree that some laws need to be tougher enforced.
Larson also explains that smartphones provide numerous distractions today apart from dialing and texting, from GPS, to Facebook and Twitter. But the solution needs to allow hands-free operation.
Massachusetts State Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli says that a complete ban could send a stronger message to drivers to hang up, and he would consider supporting legislation.
U.S. Senator Scott Brown told WTKK-FM Wednesday that "There is a way to do it responsibly" and believes such decisions should be left up to the states. He also remarked that Massachusetts' ban on texting is appropriate.
Currently, 9 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation for a complete ban on hand held cell phone for all drivers. Many more have laws for drivers with a learning permit or hold age restrictions. 42 states and the District of Columbia have passed restrictions for text messaging.