In a move that will certainly make our highways safer, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced final rules specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. This is the latest move by the U.S. government to end distracted driving. In announcing the rule, Transportation Secretary LaHood stated “When drivers of large trucks, busses, and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly. I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.” Drivers who violate the restriction will face severe civil fines and potential disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle. Companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will also face severe civil penalties. It is estimated that 4 million commercial drivers will be affected by this final rule.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that almost 6,000 people died and over a half a million were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2009. Distracted related fatalities represent 16% of the overall traffic fatalities in that year. Many of the largest truck and bus companies already have policies in place banning their drivers from using hand-held cell phones. Studies have shown that commercial drivers take several risky steps beyond what is just required for using a hands-free phone including searching and reaching for the phone. Research indicates that commercial drivers while reaching for such items as a cell phone are three times more likely to be involved in crashes or other safety critical events. Dialing a hand-held cell phone makes it 6 times more likely that a commercial driver will be involved in an accident.
