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Tennessee Debates Full Cell Phone Ban for Drivers

Posted on Dec 31, 2011

The recent National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendation to ban any use of cell phones while driving has sparked a lively discussion in Tennessee.

John Schroer, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, is not yet supporting a full ban. He says, “we do recommend in all cases that you don’t use your portable devices while you are driving, but I don’t think at this point and time we’re ready to make a recommendation to ban them in Tennessee.”

Yet, because of the deadly statistics regarding cell phone use and car crashes, local lawmakers are beginning to debate the issue. Representative Richard Floyd, R-Hamilton County is a member of the transportation committee. He tells of a close call he had in Nashville recently with a distracted driver. “He had just lost himself in texting and was in the center of the road just weaving; it was worse than any drunk driver I ever saw.”

As it stands, Tennessee banned all texting and emailing behind the wheel in 2009. Rep. Floyd adds, “This has been a conversation on the transportation committee many times and I’m sure it will be back up this year.”

The debate will likely end in some kind of resolution, but meanwhile, drivers distracted by their cell phones will continue to cause mayhem on the roads.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident caused by a distracted cell phone user, Memphis auto accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer would like to speak with you about your case. Call us today toll free at 888-470-9143 or locally at 901-680-9777.