We believe no one should be the victim of a wrongful death, serious brain injury or bodily injury because motorists can’t stay off their cell phones when driving. Yet, that is exactly what is happening at an alarming rate.

In 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed, and thousands more were seriously injured, in distracted driving car crashes because drivers were talking or texting on their wireless electronic devices.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s latest recommendation is that all drivers nationwide should be banned from using cell phones when behind the wheel. Even hands-free devices would be banned except in emergencies, and the law would also apply to drivers of commercial vehicles, according to the recommendation.

The NTSB’s recommendations go far beyond the laws that many states have passed or are considering, including those in Illinois. But it is nonbinding, meaning that states don’t have to adopt the ban. The board’s viewpoint is often influential, however.

Many phone companies have dropped their opposition to any restrictions on the use of phones in cars, and have recently joined calls to ban texting while driving. Automobile manufacturers haven’t taken a stance, but they have defended the integrated systems in cars that provide access to technology.

Lives are being lost needlessly because there is no nationwide ban. Sure, a ban would be unpopular with many, but if it saves thousands of people from death or injury, it’s the right thing to do.