DOT Bans texting for Commercial drivers

John Suit — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:08:55 +0000

A lot of states have begun banning texting for drivers, and some go as far as fining drivers who aren’t using a hands-free device, such as Bluetooth, to make and receive their calls. A study by Virginia Tech Researchers found that drivers who are distracted by cell phones and other devices are 23 times more likely to crash than those who pay attention to the road.

This ban also affects interstate bus drivers and anyone else operating a commercial vehicle with more than 8 passengers, not just truck drivers. So what’s the deterrent? How about a fine of up to $2,750? That’s quite a bit more than the $250 or $500 fine imposed by some states on drivers, and given the number of independent truck drivers, that gives drivers quite the financial incentive to comply with the ban.

While I think it’s a good rule to have, there is a glaring problem with it concerning truck drivers: the cabs of their trucks are so high off the road that it would be difficult for law enforcement officials to enforce the ban. They could pull the phone records for the driver after an accident, but by then it’s too late, and damage to people or property has already been done.

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by John Suit

Source: Department of Transportation via AutoBlog

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DOT Bans texting for Commercial drivers