The National Safety Council said it strongly supports President Barack Obama’s nomination for Deborah Hersman to serve a third term as the National Transportation Safety Board chairman and applauds the Senate Commerce Committee for reporting her nomination out of committee. The NSC said that it and the NTSB share in the mission to improve transportation safety, especially as it relates to distracted driving and teen safe driving.

“Deborah Hersman is a wonderful example of a strong and effective safety leader,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO at NSC. “She has brought national attention to critical safety issues such as teen and distracted driving, and we look forward to continuing to work with her to save lives and prevent injuries.”

Hersman implemented a complete ban of cell phone use while driving – handheld and hands-free – for all NTSB employees upon being named Chairman in 2009. In December 2011, the NTSB became the first government organization to issue a recommendation that all 50 states and D.C. ban the use of portable electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, according to the NSC. Distracted driving was included on the NTSB Most Wanted List in 2012 and 2013.