The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently recommended that all 50 states establish bans on drivers using cell phones. While some state-level governments have already implemented such rules (in Washington, D.C., drivers can speak only on hands-free devices), such a recommendation has never before been issued by a federal agency. This recommendation should be followed by all of the states.

Unlike several federal organizations, the NTSB does not use money as an impetus for states to follow their policies and recommendations. However, as the leading voice in safety, its recommendations have much weight.

States should, therefore, not take the recommendation lightly.

Last year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,092 deaths were associated with the use of cell phones by drivers.

Each life is precious, and a ban by states regarding the use of cell phones for all ages would greatly reduce this number. Whether or not this rule would be easily enforced, such laws would give law enforcement a foundation to reduce the danger of using cell phones while driving.

Young drivers are even more prone to accidents while using cell phones. Virginia Tech’s Transportation Institute reported that teens using cell phones are four times more likely than adults to get into accidents. More over, a recent study by the University of Utah stated that using phones while driving can be more impairing than being under the influence of alcohol. Clearly, the more restrictions on teens’ use of cell phones, the better.

Therefore, it seems clear that states should adopt such a recommendation as law to reduce untimely, and and certainly avoidable death.