The board is expected to recommend new restrictions on drivers. | REUTERS NTSB calls for cell phone ban

The National Transportation Safety Board has a message for drivers: Hang up, stop texting and drive.

The safety agency took a bold step forward Tuesday when it urged every state to pass a law banning drivers from using cell phones, laptops, and iPads while driving – even if it’s just for a quick email or Facebook status update.


The recommendation extends even to talking on a hands-free device but does include exceptions for emergency calls or GPS navigation units and other driver-assistance devices. The five-member safety board unanimously approved the recommendations in a morning board meeting.

“This is a watershed recommendation for the NTSB,” Chairman Deborah Hersman told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

It is indeed a watershed announcement – the proposal is more restrictive than any state law currently on the books. And the states themselves aren’t exactly fans of the idea.

“The NTSB recommendation may be a game-changer. States aren’t yet ready to support a full ban but this will definitely start the discussion,” said Jonathan Adkins, a spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Hersman urged a “multi-pronged” approach to the issue – including strong state laws, a vigorous public education campaigns, and major enforcement efforts. A similar approach was used for drunk driving and seat belt usage.

Hersman predicted opposition to the board’s new idea, but said the agency feels it’s in the public interest.

“Our recommendations are not always popular and we know that this recommendation is going to be very unpopular with some people. But we’re not here to win a popularity contest – we’re here to do the right thing,” she said.

