Three cheers to NTSB for stance on texting while driving

From Bradenton.com:

It isn’t much more than a symbolic gesture, without the force of law behind it. But give the National Transportation Safety Board credit for setting a good example. Hopefully, more agencies, companies and individuals will follow suit.
The NTSB, which investigates transportation accidents, is now banning texting and talking on cell phones by its 400 employees while they are driving on government business. The same ban applies during off-hour driving if they are using a government-issued wireless device. They are apparently the first federal agency to impose such a ban.
To which we can only say, Bravo!
There is no doubt that texting while driving greatly increases the chances for accidents. Talking on your cell phone while driving may seem less dangerous, but not by much.
At present, no state completely bans cell phone use by drivers, with enforcement being one of the major hang-ups. But, while Florida and other states and even the U.S. Congress talk about possible legislation and enforcement procedures, it would be great if the NTSB’s gesture rubs off on the general public.
Seriously, does anybody need an actual written law to know that texting while driving is extremely dangerous? Somehow, the nation survived quite well for many years without texting behind the wheel. Common sense should tell drivers that no text message or cell phone discussion is that important to put anybody’s life at risk.
The problem is not going away, and possible solutions are being sought. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is scheduled to host a summit of experts later this month to figure out what to do about driver cell phone use and texting.
A good place to start would be to call on more companies and individuals to follow the example set by the NTSB.