Federal safety investigators declared this week that texting, emailing or chatting on a cell phone while driving is simply too dangerous to be allowed. Additionally, they are urging all states to impose total bans of cell phone use while driving, except in the case of emergencies.

Based upon recent deadly crashes, including one in which a teenager sent or received 11 text messages in 11 minutes before an accident, the recommendation would apply even to hands-free devices, a much stricter rule than any current state law.

A group representing state highway safety offices called the recommendation “a game-changer”.

Currently, 35 states ban texting while driving, while nine states ban handheld cell phone use.  Thirty states ban all cell phone use for beginning drivers, but enforcement is generally not a high priority, and no states ban the use of hands-free devices for all drivers.

Tyler Tomlinson is a Shareholder in Stark & Stark’s Yardley, PA office, specializing in Accident & Personal Injury Law. For more information, please contact Mr. Tomlinson.