CEA Opposes CTIA Support of Plan to Ban Mobile Devices While Driving

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has spoken out against CTIA's promotion of the development of new products and services that disable a driver's mobile device.

Michael Petricone, CEA's senior vice preisdent, spoke up about the company's stance against the CTIA. "CEA must disagree with the NTSB's broad recommendation calling for a ban on the nonemergency use of portable electronics devices by all drivers," Petricone said.

Overall, he felt that such a ban would be unreasonable and not needed. "There is no real-world evidence to support such a blanket prohibition unless one would also ban other potential distractions, such as eating, drinking, applying make-up and engaging with children while in the vehicle," Petricone said.

CTIA - The Wireless Association made an announcement late last year bringing up concern over driver’s safety, more specifically when it comes to using a cellular device while driving. The group was promoting the industry to develop new products and services to disable a driver’s mobile device.

The groups behind CTIA sent out a statement in December saying that they have historically supported a ban on texting while driving and have remained focused on educating consumers about their responsibilities while driving.

"We have always encouraged the industry to continue to develop new technology-based tools and offerings that are affordable and consumer-friendly that would create safer driving," CTIA said. "The industry constantly produces new products and services, including those that can disable the driver’s mobile device."

Source: CTIA / Dealerscope