PERSONAL INJURY LAW: Gov’t Mulls Texting Ban for Truck, Bus Drivers
March 31, 2010
Washington – The US Transportation Department is proposing a ban on text messaging for interstate truck and bus drivers as Secretary Ray LaHood has announced. The proposal would make the January interim ban permanent.
LaHood said the ban of texting for truck and bus drivers is part of the continued plan and “commitment to make our roads safer by reducing the threat of distracted driving”.
If implemented, erring drivers could face civil or criminal penalties for their violations.
Trucking and bus industry officials have expressed their support for the planned texting ban, even as some companies have imposed their own policies against texting while driving. In fact, the Governors Highway Safety Association has reported that 20 states, including the District of Columbia already prohibit drivers from texting while behind the wheel.
According to Transportation Department statistics, nearly 5,870 people were killed and about 515,000 were injured in distracted driving crashes in 2008, which often involved cell phones or mobile devices.
Last year, President Barack Obama signed an executive order directing federal employees from texting or using mobile phones while driving government-owned vehicles or equipment.
The US Congress has also introduced legislation urging states to pass laws texting ban for drivers.
The department has asked the public to comment on the proposed ban before they issue a new rule.
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