The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recently said he’s considering a push in Congress for a national ban on using cell phones while driving. Turns out a majority of the public thinks that’s a good idea.
A Quinnipiac University poll finds 63% think there should be a nationwide ban on using cell phones while driving, with 34% opposed to the idea.
Younger people are less in favor of the ban. Only 51% of those 18-34 would support the ban, compared to 62% of people 35-54 and 74% of those 55+.
The poll also asked: How often do you use a cell phone while driving a car?
- 10% very often
- 21% sometimes
- 38% rarely
- 31% never.
Once again, younger people were more likely to say they used a cell phone while driving:
- People 18-34: 41% very often or sometimes
- People 35-54: 37% very often or sometimes
- People 55+: 14% very often or sometimes.
Quinnipiac polled 2,424 registered voters.
The National Safety Council (NSC) called on elected officials to take notice of the public’s support for a ban on using cell phones while driving.
“The public is fed up with their safety being jeopardized because of phone calls,” said David Teater, senior director of Transportation Initiatives for NSC.
Only 8 states have hand-held cell phone use bans. No state has a complete ban on using cell phones while driving. Texting while driving is illegal in 30 states. (Click here to see a state-by-state breakdown.)
Cell phone use is a factor in about 1.3 million crashes each year.
Do you support a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
