NTSB chief backs cellphone ban in cars even if policy is ‘not popular with folks’

The chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board defended the agency's proposal for a nationwide ban on all cellphone use while driving, saying the NTSB was not beholden to public opinion. The transportation board has been criticized for its announcement last week that it was recommending all states enact laws banning everything other than devices “used for driving tasks,” like a GPS, while driving. In an interview, NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said the agency was set up to be insulated from political and public pressure.