NTSB urges ban on cell phone usage in semi-trucks

After a fatal accident involving a semi-truck in Kentucky in 2010, a proposal to ban all cell phone usage has been proposed by the NTSB

September 19, 2011|By Ethan Forhetz and Cliff Erwin, KY3 News | cerwin@ky3.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Cell phone usage while driving a vehicle has been a hot topic for years. Local, state and the federal government have been debating back and forth on what should or should not be allowed.

Now, after a deadly crash involving at tractor trailer in 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board is proposing a ban on all usage of cell phones for truckers, including hands free devices.

Truck drivers log many hours and miles every year.

Hauling goods from coast to coast and, accidents happen. In early 2010 an accident involving a semi-truck in Kentucky killed 11 people which spurred calls for a nationwide law.

An investigation revealed that a truck driver was using his cell phone when the crash occurred. Now, the NTSB is proposing the ban of all cell phone usage by commercial drivers, handheld and hands-free. It's not going over well with truckers we talked to.

"I really don't think it's a good idea," said Brian Barberi, who has driven trucks for 11 years.

"Not good," said Steven Maxwell, a 15 year vet of the highway.

"I think it's B.S...that's our only form of communication," said Jill Netznik, who has been driving big rigs for nearly 10 years. "The cell phone is a big part of my job."

Proponents point to the greater good, pointing out that in Missouri, the leading cause of accidents, for all drivers, is inattention.

"Within that category you'll find cell phone usage, whether it'd be talking on the phone or texting while you're trying to drive," said SGT Jason Pace with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "Unfortunately people cannot multi-task and so, driving becomes a secondary type action that takes place when you're talking on the phone trying to operate a vehicle."

Though some drivers agree that a hand held phone can distract from driving, they say hands free phones shouldn't be included in the proposal.

"As long as its not up to your ear and you have a headset on, I don't see the point," Barberi said.

"I use a hands free, but you have to be responsible," added Maxwell. "I think they should do more research on it, ask more driver's opinions."

Based on its investigation, the NTSB is encouraging new laws prohibiting the use of mobile phones.

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