Federal Government to Offer Incentives for Stricter Cell Phone Laws? | Seattle Personal Injury lawyer

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I started Teens Against Distracted Driving because as a Seattle personal injury lawyer I realize the devastating consequences of distracted driving. Thousands of people die every year at the hands of distracted drivers. With the recent popularity of text messaging the number of accidents has increased dramatically and the federal government is searching for a solution.

June 8th The National Safety Committee officially backed a proposal for the Federal government to offer incentives to states that issue stricter cell phone laws. This is quickly gaining favor throughout congress. The government would provide grant money to states who implement stricter laws. The laws would forbid the use of handheld phones while driving– requiring the use of hands free devices and completely banning drivers under the age of 18 from using cell phones while behind the wheel.

Currently only 8 states have bans on all use of hand held phones while driving. 27 states have limited restrictions such as, not using hand held phones while in school or construction zones or age specifications and 28 states have banned text messaging while driving. With only 8 out of 50 states enforcing a strict cell phone ban it is no wonder the federal government feels the need to bribe the states into stricter laws. But why are so few states banning the use of cell phones when the death toll is so high? 80% of accidents are caused be distracted drivers- the common sense solution is to use the legal system to prohibit as much distraction as humanly possible. But it also takes a decision by drivers- we all need to step up to the plate and take the pledge to not use a cell phone while driving.