Friday, 16 December 2011
AIA Supports Ban On Cell Phones While Driving
According to the American Insurance Association (AIA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is doing the right thing by calling for a ban on using mobile devices while driving. The AIA, which represents approximately 300 insurance companies, feels that drivers should be concentrating on the road at all times instead of distracting themselves by talking or texting on mobile phones and other types of electronic devices.
Leigh Ann Pusey, who is the CEO and president of the AIA, released a statement that said her organization is supporting the recommendation the NTSB recently made which called for a countrywide ban on using personal electronic devices for any reason other than an emergency. She said that driving is dangerous enough as it is on a daily basis and it’s important that people are focused on their driving when they get behind the wheel of an automobile.
Pusey added that over 3,000 people died in traffic accidents last year because they were distracted by something or other while they were driving. She said that according to research, texting or talking on a mobile phone is just as bad as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. She said that America has come a long way over the years when it comes to highway safety, but people are still losing their lives on the roads for no reason and more must be done to help prevent it.
According to an article by the Insurance and Financial Advisor, the State Farm insurance company also said that distracted driving is a major problem in the modern world and it’s getting worse not better. David Beigie, who is a public affairs vice president with State Farm, said that safety advocates are deeply concerned over the use of mobile devices in vehicles. He added that according to research, people of all ages are being distracted on a regular basis by using mobile devices, not just the younger generation.
Several other organizations and insurance companies have voiced their support for the NTSB’s recommendation.
