The NTSB wants states to ban drivers from using cellphones – handheld or hands-free. But it can’t impose any laws or restrictions. That’s up to lawmakers, who may or may not agree.
By Daniel B. Wood, Staff writer / December 13, 2011
A sign in Havre, Mont., notifies drivers of the city's handheld cellphone ban, which took effect in October. The NTSB wants states to go further, banning all cellphone use by drivers.
The federal agency charged with overseeing transportation safety recommended Tuesday that US states should forbid the use of all cellphones and other portable electronic devices by drivers.
The five-member, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) agreed unanimously to the recommendation as the number of accidents attributed to cellphone use rises. Perhaps the most dramatic was a fatal highway pileup in Missouri in 2010, in which a 19-year-old driver sent or received 11 texts in the 11 minutes before the crash.
“Driving was not his only priority,” said NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman. “No call, no text, no update is worth a human life.”
The restrictions would exceed any existing state laws that limit drivers’ cellphone use – for texting, web-surfing, or talking – because they would apply to both hands-free and handheld devices. The board has no power to impose restrictions, however, meaning that any new rules would have to come from states, Congress, or federal regulators. But the NTSB is seen as being very influential.
“This is an expert agency which is considered important and is trying to make transportation safer, so even though it can only recommend, it will be taken very seriously,” says Carl Tobias, professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. “Following through devolves back on the states and what their legislatures are willing to do.”
“It’s amazing to me that despite the growing evidence to the contrary, people continue to think this is not dangerous,” Professor Tobias says.
The number of accidents in which texting and cellphone calls were a contributing factor has increased, he says.
A Sept. 12, 2008, Metrolink collision with a freight train that killed 25 people and injured 135 in Los Angeles was perhaps the first high-profile cellphone-linked accident. After that, a tugboat pilot in Philadelphia was killed while talking on his cellphone and using a laptop. More recently, a Northwest Airlines flight flew more than 100 miles past its destination while both pilots were working on their laptops.
Several new technologies have emerged to help drivers handle the distractions. One, called Myautoreply, works with the Android smartphone platform to intercept both text and voice calls while the owner is driving.
“It’s one thing to have a law, it’s another to deal with the temptations and habits of having a cellphone in the car,” says Pierre Barbeau, CEO of Moblico, which makes Myautoreply.
Some 35 states currently ban texting while behind the wheel. Nine ban the use of handheld cellphones while driving.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., (Dec. 07, 2011) — StoreFinancial, a company that offers specialty prepaid gift card programs, has teamed with Moblico, a mobile solutions company, to offer The Legends gift cards that can be managed from a mobile phone. The Legends mobile application works in tandem with the gift cards for both iPhone and Android. Once consumers register their gift card from their mobile phone, they can check balances and see transaction history. In addition, consumers can get store information, access mobile coupons as well as merchant locations, phone numbers and websites. The Legends application will make holiday shopping easier this year, saving time and money. The Legends gift cards can be purchased by phone, 913-788-3700, online, or at The Legends Customer Service Center, located at 1843 Village West Parkway, Suite C-127, Kansas City, KS.
“StoreFinancial is proud to extend the benefits of our prepaid card program to the iPhone and Android,” said Larry Bush, vice president sales and marketing, StoreFinancial. “The Legends application, powered by Moblico, has enabled us to give consumers instant access to gift card details as well as information on The Legends retailers, locations and coupons.”
“Moblico’s platform delivers innovative, interactive services for consumers,” said Pierre Barbeau, chief operating officer, Moblico. “We are pleased to create a solution and launch this application for StoreFinancial and The Legends. Our platform technology offers a customized solution with personalized service. We know The Legends application will enhance the consumer shopping experience.”
“Legends gift cards are redeemable at every store, restaurant and theater at The Legends,” said Chuck Oglesby, general manager, The Legends. “StoreFinancial has created a customized prepaid gift card for The Legends and Moblico has taken the program to the mobile phone. Whether consumers use The Legends gift cards for shopping or as gifts, we want everyone to take advantage of this unique mobile technology.”
About Moblico
Moblico is a mobile solutions company helping clients harness the power of mobile. Our mobile services platform delivers innovative, interactive services and communications, creates targeted market-ready lists, tracks consumer behavior, generates new digital revenues and strengthens long term one-to-one relationships. Moblico technology services function worldwide on any wireless network or device, and can be easily configured and customized. Moblico is a trusted mobile solution provider to a variety of major markets including; retail, health, sporting/entertainment venues, special events, radio/television, and service organizations. Moblico was founded in 2007 and is based in Kansas City, Mo.
About StoreFinancial
StoreFinancial is an international payment systems processor, program manager, and an industry leader in prepaid card programs specifically designed for unaffiliated merchant groups. With solutions customized for over 600 clients world-wide, we’ve combined unparalleled customer service, the most current technology, and industry unique products & services to meet your business objectives.
About Legends
Legends Outlets Kansas City is a vibrant addition to the Village West retail and entertainment destination development located in Kansas City, Kansas. Legends Outlets offers specialty stores, unique retail, entertainment and dining venues to support and enhance any visitor’s lifestyle. Legends Outlets sits at the epicenter of a tourism district drawing more than 10 million visitors annually.
Our mobile solutions suite is constantly evolving to ensure your business is leveraging all that mobile technology has to offer.
Recently, Moblico introduced loyalty rewards services that leverage repeat buying behavior and strengthen consumer relationships.
Loyalty rewards services allow you to instantly reward your customers, while gaining customer insight. The more the consumer uses the services the more you and your customer gain. Your business will gain customer knowledge, and the consumer will receive additional rewards. The loyalty rewards services is a win-win for your business and your customers.
Moblico also introduced a variety of other mobile technology. We upgraded our mobile gaming to keep users active, engaged and entertained. The gaming update lets users play on different levels based on their skill, earn more points, engage and interact with other gamers and alert users when a game has begun.
Moblico recently introduced mobile gift cards that can also work as loyalty cards. These cards are easy to use, distribute, and they eliminate many of the issues seen with traditional gift cards. They offer convenience and accessibility.The mobile gift cards are great because they are always accessible and impossible to lose. The card gives the user the option to check their balance at any given time so they don’t have to second-guess funds available for purchases.
Other recent updates include:
- Mobile application push notifications: Send your customers instant notifications providing badges, sounds or custom text alerts.
- Check in to locations and events: Offer deals based on your customers check in location.
- Integrated social media: Build profiles, post & share your content to popular social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.
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