The Feds Want to Take Away Your Cell Phone

Katie Pavlich | October 08, 2010 12:51 PM

U.S. Transporation Secretary Ray LaHood is calling for more research from his department on distracted driving due to the use of cell phone and even hands free devices while driving. There is speculation LaHood may eventually call for a ban which would stifle business growth.

Bloomberg:

LaHood, whose campaign against texting and making calls while driving has led to restrictions in 30 states, says his concerns extend to vehicle information and entertainment systems such as Ford Motor Co.’s Sync and General Motors Co.’s OnStar.
“I don’t want people talking on phones, having them up to their ear or texting while they’re driving,” LaHood said in an interview this week. “We need a lot better research on other distractions,” including Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calls and the in-car systems, he said.
Even without a ban, which would have to be implemented by individual states, LaHood’s escalating campaign may limit the growth of vehicle features such as Sync, being added by automakers to attract younger buyers. His push also may reduce calls made from vehicles and the revenue of mobile-phone companies such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc.