Everyone knows the dangers of driving while using a cell phone but sometimes it can be difficult to put the phone down while you’re on the road.
Currently six states, including California, Connecticut and New York have banned the use of handheld cell phones. Hands-free head sets are still allowed in all 50 states.
But this year, New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission is taking the cell phone ban to a new level by banning any electronic device in the proximity of the driver’s ear. This rule means that cabdrivers can no longer wear hands-free headsets, even if they aren’t using them.
This new rule comes as new research shows that drivers talking on a headset react to situations significantly slower than drivers without distractions. A 2005 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that drivers who use cell phones—even on hands-free devices—are four times as likely to be in a car accident than drivers who don’t use their cell phones on the road.
The ban on hands-free devices was passed unanimously and cabbies found violating the rule will lose their licenses after three violations and may also face significant fines.
However, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance is protesting the Commissions new rule, arguing that banning hands-free sets would create more problems than it solves and may put cab drivers at risk during dangerous situations.
So what do you think? Should cab drivers be allowed to use their cell phones while driving? What about hands-free headsets? Would you feel safer if your cab driver was cell phone free while driving?
Take a look at what you can do to ensure your own safety when driving with a cell phone.
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