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Cellular phones have become a real danger on our public highways. All too often, crashes causing death and serious injuries are the result of a driver texting or talking on their cell phone. In 2009, nearly 5,500 were killed and 450,000 more were injured in distracted driving crashes. The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to reduce crashes caused by distracted driving.

Speed studies show that at the slow speed of 10 mph a vehicle travels 14.7 feet per second; at 25 mph a vehicle travels 36.7 feet per second; and, at highway speeds of 60 mph a vehicle travels 88 feet per second. These calculations show that taking your attention away from driving for only a few seconds can result in a vehicle traveling into trouble.

Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final rule prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. This was a big step in reducing distraction for Truck drivers as they travel upon our public highways.

9 States ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving, remarkably, only 35 States ban text messaging for all drivers. The Governors Highway Safety Association provides a wealth of information regarding Cell phone and Texting Laws.

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