U.N. Ambassador Wants Texting-While-Driving Bans to Go Global

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power wants America’s crackdown on texting-while-driving to go global.

In a speech before the U.N. General Assembly, Ms. Power on Thursday touted a “road safety” resolution the U.S. co-sponsored that urges other nations to enact legislation to curb “inappropriate use of cell phones, including texting while driving.”

“Too many drivers simply don’t understand the danger of taking their eyes, even briefly, from the road,” Ms. Power said. “And while drinking is episodic, the use of hand-held devices is chronic. No one should die – or kill – because of a text message.”

The resolution, which was adopted by the General Assembly, “encourages Member States to consider enacting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors for road traffic injuries, including … inappropriate use of cell phones, including texting while driving.”

in America, 43 states, as well as the District of Columbia, have banned text messaging for all drivers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thirty-seven states and D.C.  have also banned all cell phone use by novice or teen drivers