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Banning Cell Phones While Driving: Is The Time To Act Now?

In the words of National Transportation Safety Board Chair Deborah A.P. Hersman: "No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life."

Thirty-nine states plus the District of Columbia had some type of restriction on cell phone use while driving as of Nov. 1, 2010, according to an American Journal of Preventive Medicine article published in June; it included a map of states' restrictions and a nifty timeline of how they have grown.

The outcome of these policy discussions is sure to generate controversy and ultimately more legislation, and hopefully, safer roadways. "The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliness of distractions?" NTSB Chair Hersman said.

What do you think? Should we be allowed to drive and talk on the phone? Drive and text? Let us know by leaving a comment—while sitting at your desk, please.

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