Until recently, distracted driving only affected the safety of you and your surroundings. Professional drivers now have a monetary reason forego that cell phone call until their next rest stop. Distracted driving can now cost CDL drivers’ money in fines and possibly the ability to earn a living as a Truck driver. On November 23, 2011, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a final rule specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles.
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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation press release, “Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses.” Additionally states will now suspend licenses of drivers of with two or more major violations while operating a commercial vehicle.
New rules also affect companies as well. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.
Although results are mixed, data from FMCSA studies show that nearly 5474 people died and half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2009.
While studies yield mixed results, distraction-related fatalities represented 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities in 2009, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research.
In order to promote the administration’s latest efforts against distracted driving, the FMCSA and Department of Transportation launched DISTRACTION.GOV.
What are your thoughts regarding this new rule?
via fastlane.dot.gov