Feds Mull Plan To Block Cell Phone Calls While Driving

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Federal government officials are considering a proposal to disable cell phone calls for drivers through the use of blocking technology.

The proposal from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation would require software solutions from companies such as Zoomsafter, tXtBlocker and iZup, which disable certain phone features if you are moving above a certain speed.

Paul Atchley, a scientist at the University of Kansas who studies distracted driving, explains how it would work to KFWB's Ken Jeffries.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood says the move aims to reduce an estimated death toll of nearly 5,500 people who were killed by distracted driving last year, along with another half-a-million injuries.

Atchley says that while most Americans support strict drunk driving laws, they are less likely to embrace more aggressive legislation targeting cell phone use while driving.

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