May 30, 2012

The New York Times (5/29, Mohn, Subscription Publication) reported on companies that have instituted a ban on cellphone use by employees while driving , noting that one year ago, the non-profit National Safety Council queried Fortune 500 companies about their policies. Out of “the 150 or so companies that responded, 20 percent had a full cellphone ban in place, said David Teater, the group’s senior director of transportation strategic initiatives.” He also said “that the council had seen an increasing number of companies adopt the policies in recent years.” The council has “recommended a complete ban for all cellphone use while driving, because of more than 30 studies that found hands-free devices were no safer than hand-held because they did not eliminate distractions.” The article also notes the recommended ban on cellphone use for drivers by the NTSB.