Fewer Accidents? Department of Transportation Bans Commercial Bus & Truck Drivers From Texting While Driving
Posted on | February 18, 2010 | No Comments
Truck and bus accidents often occur as a result of distracted drivers. One of the biggest culprits is the use of cell phones to text while the commercials drivers are on the road. The Department of Transportation is hoping their new law puts a dent in the number of distracted drivers on the road.
A couple of weeks ago, the Department of Transportation passed new rules that prohibits truck and bus drivers from texting while they are driving. Those who are caught breaking the law face criminal or civil fines of up to $2,750.
The move is meant to cut down on the increasing amount of technology and gadgetry found in commercial trucks and buses. The technology has been found to be a distraction to the drivers and may lead to an increase in accidents. Besides increased use of cell phones for texting and talking, truckers increasingly use computers on their dash to talk with dispatchers. Use of the phones and computers remains frequent while driving. The new law attempts to stimy the use of texting while driving, but does not yet address the increased use of the on dash computers.
Interestingly, research has shown that texting while driving requires the driver to take their eyes off the road for as long as five seconds. Truckers who text are up to twenty three times more likely to get into an accident than those that don’t.
The new law is an important step towards making the roads safer from distracted drivers.
Distracted drivers can cause accidents that lead to the unfortunate injury of others on the road. While it is important that the government is taking steps towards making the roads safer, there are still situations where a distracted truck or bus driver causes an accident. If you have been the victim in such a situation, make sure you contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your issue.
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