Search
 

Can You Hear Me Now?

Cell phone use and two-way communication systems in automobiles are facing scrutiny again, this time from the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).

By Staff Writer | Updated on March 02, 2007

Cell phone use and two-way communication systems in automobiles are facing scrutiny again, this time from the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).

In a letter directed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), CAS Executive Director Clarence Ditlow petitioned for new laws to restrict the availability of two-way communication, including cell phones and services like General Motor’s OnStar and Volvo’s On Call. According to the letter, automakers have begun enhancing services like OnStar by offering additional features that allow drivers to gain access to e-mail, movie listings, and customized news reports, a trend CAS views as dangerous because it adds to the already long list of driver distractions. Ditlow said that the potential distractions are similar to permitting television monitors in the front seats of passenger vehicles, a practice that is not permitted by most state laws. He also said that the accident experience of drivers using cell phones has been shown to be similar to that of drunk drivers, noting statistics that show both behaviors increase the risk of a vehicle crash by four times.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Dig Deeper

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.