Nationwide advocates for hands-free legislation in all 50 states

The chief executive of major US auto insurer Nationwide has announced that the company is calling on state legislators to consider “hands-free” laws to curb the growing problem of mobile phone-related distracted driving. Hands-free legislation permits drivers to only use hands-free mobile phone technology while driving – it is hoped that this measure would keep drivers’ attention on the road instead of their phones. “The National Safety Council tells us that 1 in 4 crashes are due to mobile phone usage while driving. With a recent average of 37,000 deaths per year on our roadways, countless lives could have been saved and many more serious, life-changing injuries prevented if drivers’ attitudes were changed about driving while holding a mobile device,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker in a statement describing his company’s support for anti-distracted driving laws.