Chrysler joins Ford in backing nationwide ban on cell phones while driving

Texting and driving

Following Ford, Chrysler has become the second U.S. automaker to back a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and other mobile devices while operating a vehicle. Known as the Safe Drivers Act of 2011, introduced by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., the bill would allow the government to fight all states into banning cell phones while driving, expect in emergencies.

If states don’t comply, they could lose up to a quarter of their federal transportation funding.

Chrysler said the “legislation addresses the fact that a driver’s primary responsibility is to be in control of their vehicle” and that “texting while driving clearly interferes with that responsibility.”

“Chrysler has a strong history of addressing distracted driving, and we are proactively designing our vehicles and educating our customers on the importance of staying focused on the road,” the company said.

For showed its support last week by calling the act “a practical, common-sense approach to a national problem.”

GM has declined to take a position on the legislation.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: USAToday