Keller @ Large: Time To Ban Handheld Phones While Driving

BOSTON (CBS) – "Freedom Is Not Free" is an old saying engraved in the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington. And while it's meant as a reference to the sacrifices made by members of our military, it applies to each of us in our everyday lives as well.

Consider the damage we do to ourselves and each other by using handheld cellphones while driving.

According to the National Safety Council, 27% of car crashes are tied to driver distraction from cellphone use, some involving texting but most resulting from simply talking on or dialing the phone.

That is several hundred thousand crashes we're talking about, many injuries and deaths.

And the true meaning of those numbers was apparent at the State House the other day as lawmakers heard the story of Tom Brannelly of Norwood, who lost his daughter to injuries sustained when she was hit by a distracted driver who was texting behind the wheel.

We already ban that in this state, although enforcement has proven difficult. And we probably have to go ahead and ban handheld conversations as well, because even after years of horror stories and official warnings, too many of us still cannot be bothered to exercise the minimal amount of care and patience needed to either enable hands-free cellphone use or postpone our non-emergency conversations for a minute.

I'm sure some will protest this invasion of their privacy. After all, a person's car is their castle, right?

But when that attitude translates into reckless disregard for public safety, no, it isn't.

Like they say – freedom isn't free.

Listen to Jon's commentary: