Itasca, IL – The
National Safety
Council today called for the repeal of a new law in California that allows
drivers to use a voice-operated system to write, send and read text messages
and emails. The new amendment to the state’s texting ban, which was signed into
law by Governor Brown in July, takes effect on Jan. 1, 2013.
“Safe driving requires a driver’s full attention - hands on
the wheel, eyes on the road and mind on the task of driving,” said Janet
Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “There is no research
or evidence that indicates voice-activated technologies eliminate or even reduce
the distraction to the drivers’ mind. Unless such research becomes available,
texting laws, such as California’s, should not be weakened by legalizing the
use of voice-to-text technologies.”
NSC called for a total ban on all cell phone use,
including
hands-free devices, by
motorists in 2009 after reviewing an overwhelming amount of research detailing
the danger of this behavior. A broad cross section of NSC members, representing
American industry, has adopted policies that prohibit all employee cell
phone use while operating a vehicle. Learn more at
distracteddriving.nsc.org.
About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National
Safety Council (
nsc.org) is a nonprofit
organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths
at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership,
research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with
businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas
where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace
safety and safety beyond the workplace.