Missouri Truck Accident Blog

Federal Regulators Examine Cell Phone Ban for Commercial Drivers

According to a usatoday.com article, federal regulators were informed three years ago by safety investigators that a ban on cell phone use for drivers of buses and trucks would help reduce dangerous risks associated with texting and talking on a cell phone while driving. The report stated on September 24, 2009 that a two-day summit would be conducted on distracted driving, addressing plans to announce new actions that will be made against cell phone use by truck and bus drivers.

However, considering the vast amount of auto accidents involving commercial vehicles due to driver cell phone use, this response seems to have come too late. As of September, 2009, only 17 states and the District of Columbia ban cell phone use while driving a school bus. While the American Trucking Associations takes a neutral standpoint on the ban of truck drivers using cell phones while driving, they did tell reports that they “think cell phones and other electronic equipment should have some policies and regulations on them to prevent their misuse”.

It also is interesting that the wireless industry supports prohibiting texting while driving, yet is neutral when it comes to hindering cell phone use by drivers. Do they really think their profits will plummet if a ban is issued? Considering that a recent study by psychologists at the University of Utah has demonstrated that drivers who talk on handheld or hands-free cell phones operate their vehicles similar to that of a drunk driver, it may be time to issue a ban against cell phone use for all drivers, commercial drivers included, in all U.S. states.

Accidents involving tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles, whether they are caused by cell phone use or another form of negligent driving practice, can cause catastrophic injuries that include spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and many other serious calamities. No one ever expects that they will be a victim to extreme pain and suffering due to such injuries, which makes the aftermath of most truck accidents very difficult to endure.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial tractor trailer accident, the skilled St. Louis tractor trailer accident lawyers at Page Cagle may be able to help you obtain compensation if a negligent truck driver was responsible for causing the accident. Call Page Cagle today at 866-620-5757 for a free consultation of your truck accident injury case.

Source:http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2009-09-24-cellphone-ban-bus_N.htm; http://www.unews.utah.edu/p/?r=062206-1