The New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission is moving forward with a proposal for new rules aimed at preventing cab drivers from using cell phones.

The New York City taxi cab accident lawyers and the New York personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool applaud efforts aimed at making the city's 100,000 taxi cab drivers operate as safely as possible.

The proposed new rules follow an Aug. 13 incident in which a taxi driver, allegedly talking on a cell phone, struck and killed a 3-year-old boy in Harlem, according to the Daily News.

A study by The New York Times found that 1 in 5 New York City car accidents involves a taxi cab -- or more than 13,000 accidents a year. Studies continue to show that using a cell phone while driving can be as dangerous as driving impaired.

The Wall Street Journal reports the commission is aiming to strengthen the penalty for violating it's decade-old rule against cab drivers using cell phones -- the rule also prohibits the use of hands-free headsets.

"The time has come to put an end to cellphone abuse once and for all," said TLC commissioner and chairman Matthew Daus in a statement. "New technology-including stealthy hands-free devices-has made it difficult to enforce our current laws, and the use of cellphones by drivers has become all too prevalent."

The Times reported 232 summonses have been issued for cell phone use in yellow cabs during the first six months of the year -- or one ticket for every 517,241 cab rides.

The TLC's current penalty includes a $200 fine and a two-point penalty on their license. The new proposal would increase the fine (the amount has yet to be announced) and a second offense would result in a 30-day license suspension.

A three-strikes rule is also being debated, which would revoke the license of a taxi cab driver charged with three offenses in a 15-month period.

The commission is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on the proposed changes, which would take effect before the end of the year.

A New York Daily News editorial slammed the proposed rules as being "too severe." But some readers supported the increased enforcement, claiming taxi drivers are a "menace" to pedestrians and other drivers with their aggressive driving, horn-honking, tailgating, distracted driving and use of cell phones.

TLC Commissioner Daus noted customers pay a premium for taxi service and deserve safe transport.

"Service must include a 100% focus on safety and the passenger's needs by ensuring that all drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands upon the wheel," he said.

New York City taxi cab drivers have an obligation to ensure the safety of passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians and other motorists. If you have been injured in a New York City taxi accident, call Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool for a free appointment to discuss your rights. Call 212-406-1700.