U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called for a federal law that would make it illegal for all drivers to use cellular phones in moving vehicles. Calling the problem a national epidemic, LaHood cited 3,000 annual deaths attributable to distracted driving as a reason for adopting such a law. LaHood would build the law such that states would be compelled to enforce it in order to receive federal highway dollars. He wants to give police “the opportunity to write tickets when people are foolishly thinking they can drive safely or use a cell phone and text and drive.” Using a cell phone when behind the wheel causes as much driver impairment as a blood alcohol level of 0.08%.
