The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States is calling for nationwide ban on the use of electronic devices other than those designed to support driving task by the drivers while driving a vehicle.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US recommended for a nationwide ban on the use of the personal electronic devices by the drivers while driving a vehicle. These electronic devices include phones, tablets and all the other devices that are not designed to support the task of driving.

The NTSB meeting on the multi-vehicle crash in Missouri in 2010 followed a proposal, which recommends ban on use of portable electronic devices for all drivers. The multi-vehicle crash in Missouri in 2010, where the driver was found to have sent 11 text messages in the 11 minutes leading to a crash, killed a 19-year-old driver and a 15-year-old student in a school bus. Also, other thirty-eight people were injured in the crash. Considering all these factors, the NTSB is recommending a ban on non-emergency use of portable electronic devices, which even include ban on use of Bluetooth headset for mobile phones, for all drivers.

Mr. Deborah A.P. Hersman (NTSB chairman) said, “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3000 people lost their lives last year in distraction-related accidents. It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving. No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life.” He further added, “The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more lives will be lost before us, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliest of distractions?”

The NTBS is only capable of recommending, but the persuasion or favor of the members of the assembly may help in the official introduction of a bill. This proposal is coming in at the time when the car makers are consistently adding gadgets and internet-based features in their new or used cars.