NSC Applauds IIHS Efforts to Understand Effects of Cell Phone Use Legislation

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Jan 29, 2010, 12:01 ET

New Findings Support Need For Total Ban

ITASCA, Ill., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council applauds the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its continued efforts to understand cell phone use and crash risk. IIHS, a leader in vehicle safety, was one of the first safety research organizations to report that hands-free cell phone use does not make drivers any safer. The Highway Loss Data Institute, affiliated with IIHS, today announced a study that reports no reductions in crashes after states enacted laws that prohibit handheld cell phone use. According to Adrian Lund, president of both the HLDI and IIHS, "Drivers in jurisdictions with such bans may be switching to hands-free phones because no U.S. state currently bans all drivers from using such phones." NSC encourages lawmakers looking to protect motorists and improve roadway safety to pass legislation banning handheld and hands-free use by all drivers.

"HLDI findings support the need for a total ban on cell phone use while driving. There is a common misconception that hands-free is safer and research tells us hands-free is just as dangerous as handheld," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "To accurately measure the reduction of crashes it's going to take states or municipalities passing legislation banning handheld and hands-free devices and effective law enforcement."

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

SOURCE National Safety Council