DOT bars commercial drivers from texting at wheel

[Jazzy]

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Department said Tuesday it is prohibiting truck and bus drivers from sending text messages on hand-held devices while operating commercial vehicles.

The prohibition, which applies to drivers of interstate buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds, is effective immediately, the department said in a statement. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750, the department said.



Story Link: DOT bars commercial drivers from texting at wheel - Yahoo! News

[Jazzy]

Jazzy;1285490 wrote:

Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750, the department said.




This just so makes me p'd off. Just yesterday where I live there two people were killed. Involved in the accident were two milk trucks and one passenger car. The driver of the first milk truck was texting and lost control of his truck and jackknifed blocking the oncoming traffic. The passenger car hit the truck and the second milk truck hit the passenger car. Dead are the driver of the passenger car and the second milk truck driver. The texting *bleep* was not injured. So, he killed two innocent people and gets a penality of up to $2,750

[minks]

I am all for the ban.

I can honestly say from first hand experience... Professional Truck Drivers are dam good drivers, but texting and driving is something even they can't manage.

[LarsMac]

Jazzy;1285503 wrote: This just so makes me p'd off. Just yesterday where I live there two people were killed. Involved in the accident were two milk trucks and one passenger car. The driver of the first milk truck was texting and lost control of his truck and jackknifed blocking the oncoming traffic. The passenger car hit the truck and the second milk truck hit the passenger car. Dead are the driver of the passenger car and the second milk truck driver. The texting *bleep* was not injured. So, he killed two innocent people and gets a penality of up to $2,750




Something to keep in mind:

If you cause injury or death, while violating the law, you are liable for other violations as well.

Manslaughter, if you cause the death of another person while in the act of violating such laws.

Of course, on the other hand, the driver, by violating laws, becomes responsible for the problem, and the company who employs him is protected from liability.

[CARLA]

About time....