The Journal of Commerce reported recently that the Department of Transportation has proposed a rule to make its temporary two-month ban on truck driver texting a permanent measure. The rule is intended to cut down on the number of accidents related to cell phone text-messaging while driving. According to the Department of Transportation, drivers are twenty times more likely to get into an accident while texting.
The new rule bans texting by drivers of commercial motor vehicles. It does not address texting by drivers of regular cars or trucks. The rule provides for a fine or disqualification from driving if a driver is found texting.
The proposed rule does not prohibit talking on a cell phone while driving a large truck, nor does it prevent drivers from using other electronic devices, such as GPS systems, while driving. The Department of Transportation has announced that it will propose separate rules to cover these activities.
The rule was first proposed by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at the 2009 Distracted Driving Summit. In January 2010, LaHood issued a two-month interim ban on texting while operating a large truck. The proposed permanent rule was offered for public comment on March 30, 2010.
Distracted driving results in a large number of motor vehicle accidents every year; some of them catastrophic and others fatal. The risks are higher when a large truck is involved in such a crash, as the size and maneuverability of these trucks make it more likely they will be unable to avoid a collision and will cause greater damage to other motorists and their vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a distracted truck driver, please don’t hesitate to contact the skilled St. Louis truck driver negligence attorneys at Page Law. We will help protect your legal rights after an accident and fight to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 to schedule your free case evaluation.
