U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he believes motorists are distracted by any use of mobile phones while driving, including hands-free calls, as his department begins research that may lead him to push for a ban. LaHood, whose campaign against texting and making calls while driving has led to restrictions in 30 states, says his concerns extend to vehicle information and entertainment systems such as Ford Motor Co.’s Sync and General Motors Co.’s OnStar.
“I don’t want people talking on phones, having them up to their ear or texting while they’re driving,” LaHood said in an interview this week. “We need a lot better research on other distractions,” including Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calls and the in-car systems, he said.
Even without a ban, which would have to be implemented by individual states, LaHood’s escalating campaign may limit the growth of vehicle features such as Sync, being added by automakers to attract younger buyers. His push also may reduce calls made from vehicles and the revenue of mobile-phone companies such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc.
LaHood, 64, said even hands-free phone conversations are a “cognitive distraction.” Calling for a ban on hands-free communications is a possible outcome of research under way at the Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into all driver distractions, Olivia Alair, a department spokeswoman, said. Read more in Bloomberg.
This is nuts! How Can They Do This??
What About Freedom of speech (while driving)
If it’s a matter of being distracted – it’s only a matter of time before we ban eating in cars. Or conversing with passengers. Or driving with children. Or…
Government is out of control
while i understand the issue, whats next seems like they whant to control every aspect of our lives Time to stop already people need to be resposible for themselves
The bottom line that makes sense is that people should not be allowed to do something that creates a danger for others. If there are statistics that prove that talking on a cell phone while driving causes more accidents then it should be illegal. If eating a bowl of cereal and milk while driving causes accidents then that should be illegal as well.