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The National Safety Council acknowledges that states have laws that prohibit distracted driving and that no one has a right to put others at risk.

The Council recognizes that electronic devices such as cell phones provide extraordinary benefits to public safety and productivity. However, a driver's first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle and that best practice is to not use electronic devices including cell phones while driving. When on the road, drivers shall concentrate on safe and defensive driving and not on making or receiving phone calls, delivery of faxes, using computers, navigation systems, or other distracting influences. When a driver decides that it is safe to use such a device while driving, it should be with the understanding that negligent drivers be held accountable when distracted driving results in the injury or death of others.

Furthermore, the National Safety Council supports restrictions that prohibit all non-emergency use of electronic devices including cell phones by teenage drivers during their graduated licensing period.

The National Safety Council calls on producers and providers of electronic devices and services to undertake a substantial educational campaign to inform the public of the safe operation of electronic devices, emphasizing both the risks and the benefits. The Council also recommends that employers assess whether to allow employees to use such devices while driving, and if so, what sensible restrictions should be followed.

*National Safety Council policy positions reflect the views of the Council but not necessarily those of each member.