Grapevine Woman Pushes For Warnings On Cell Phones

From The33TV.com:

"They can change the culture of cell phone use ... "
Grapevine - A Grapevine woman, whose mother was killed by a driver on a cell phone, wants wireless providers and cell phone makers to increase the warning on mobile products to improve safety and reduce highway deaths.

Jennifer Smith won't forget the phone call a year ago this week from her sister in Oklahoma telling her that their mother, 61-year old Linda Doyle, had been killed by a 20-year old man who ran a red light while talking on a his cell phone. "Everyday now I just wake up and want to make sure that no one gets a phone call like that". She was the biggest part of my life".

MORE: SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Studies show drivers distracted by cell phone use kill 2600 people every year. Smith says she blames the distracted driver for her Mom's death, along with his wireless carrier, Sprint. "There should be a black box warning on cell phones that say using the device while driving could injure or kill someone. They need to let people know the true dangers".

Experts say the cell phone dangers are real. Studies show drivers using phones are four times more likely to cause a crash, the same as someone considered intoxicated. Authorities say hands-free devices don't eliminate the risk.

Smith says the safety tips in user manuals, outlining how to drive and talk on a phone provided by Sprint and other companies aren't enough to improve safety. "It is like putting instructions on a liquor bottle about how to drink and drive safer. It doesn't make sense to me".

But, a spokesperson for Sprint, John Taylor, says the company already leads the way in educating customers by supplying safety tips, supporting bans on texting while driving and warning consumers about distracted driving. "What happened to Jennifer's mom is a tragedy, but it's up to drivers to change their behavior", says Taylor.

But smith says providers and makers can make all the difference. "A company just has to be bold enough to take a stand", says Smith.