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U.S. Government Considers Killing Cell Phones While Driving

texting while driving

texting while driving

Stupidity aside, the U.S. government has long been looking for ways to reduce the amount of accidents on the road. The latest of which has been to ban texting while driving. Many states are pushing for this to become law, and some have been successful. But now there is an even more extreme idea being tossed around in our government. This one involves blocking the use of cell phones entirely while driving. And yes, this is a serious possibility.

The U.S. Department of Transportation already sees this cell phone blocking technology as a reality.

“I think the technology is there,” said Raymond LaHood, the Secretary of Transportation. “And I think you’re going to see the technology become adaptable in automobiles to disable these cell phones.”

Paul Atchley, a researcher at the University of Kansas who is knowledgeable in this field, has estimated that 5,500 people died from driving while distracted, with over half a million people being injured. He also stated that this estimate is almost certainly low, as it only accounts for reported deaths and injuries.

What isn’t clear, however, is whether or not the Department of Transportation has the authority to force auto makers into installing technology that restricts the usage of mobile devices. It also creates problems. For example, what happens if emergency services need to be contacted while driving? Are people willing to accept the fact that a cell phone blocking technology might prohibit such a thing?

It’s a big mess. The deaths and injuries are sure to grow. But isn’t it the responsibility of the people to educate themselves about the risks over texting and talking on mobile devices while driving?

What do you think?

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Written by James Mowery

James Mowery is a passionate technology journalist and entrepreneur who has written for various top-tier publications like Mashable and CMSWire. Follow him on Twitter: @JMowery.

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