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Verizon, Sprint support texting-while-driving ban
Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel say they support state and federal bills that would ban sending text messages and emails while driving. But who was first?
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) has introduced a bill in the House to do just that, co-sponsored by Reps. Robert Brady (D-Penn.), Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Betty Sutton (D-Ohio), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Alan Grayson (D-Fla.), Eric Massa (D-NY) and Janice Schakowsky (D-Ill.)
A similar bill was introduced in the Senate in July by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Kay Hagan (D-NC).
Verizon says it was the first wireless company to support such measures with its support of hands-free driving laws dating back to 2000. In a press release yesterday, Verizon said it has been the "only wireless company supporting bans on texting and e-mailing while driving."
Not to be out-done, Sprint immediately issued its own statement from Vonya McCann, senior vice president for government affairs.“Sprint supports state legislation which bans texting while driving and we support federal legislation which does the same," she said. "Distracted driving is dangerous and as research shows, texting while driving is extremely dangerous. We look forward to working with legislators interested in taking this step.”
Last month, in response to comments by Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the wireless industry's trade association, CTIA, partnered with the National Safety Council to launch a safe driving education campaign urging teens to stay off the phone while driving.
"We support state and local legislation that would ban texting for all drivers and place wireless use restrictions on teens and novice drivers," said CTIA CEO Steve Largent. "We agree with Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's recommendation that distracted driving legislation should be developed and enforced by state and local governments."
So maybe the industry lobbyists were first. At any rate, no one seems to be lobbying against the legislation.
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