DOT Bans Truck Driver Cell Phone Use

by Emily Mapp Brannon ebrannon@hsinjurylaw.com

Emily is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

11/29/2011
Emily Mapp Brannon
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Norfolk, VA Personal Injury Attorney Reports: USDOT Bans Truck Drivers' Cell Phone Use

A new federal rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits handheld cell phone use by commercial truck and bus drivers while they are driving. This broadens a September 2010 rule that banned text messaging behind the wheel of a commercial bus or truck. Interestingly, his ban does not apply to school bus drivers, even when they cross state lines.

Research consistently shows that distracted drivers are more likely to get into accidents. Those accidents are made even worse when commercial buses and trucks are involved. Because of the sheer size of these vehicles, accidents they are involved in often result in injuries and deaths.

Drivers who violate the new federal handheld cell phone ban face severe penalties, including fines and being disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle. After two or more violations, states will suspend a driver's commercial license. Companies that hire drivers who violate the ban can also be fined. Penalties are severe, as they should be.

This ban is a great start to end driver distractions. Still, truck drivers can still utilize hands-free cell phones behind the wheel, and I worry about how well they can really pay attention to the road. Research shows that hands-free phone cell usage does significantly cut back on distractions, but drivers will no doubt still fumble to dial or simply to find their phone to use.

My colleagues and I applaud the USDOT for taking this initiative. If we can prevent some of the tragic accidents that occur because of cell phone distractions, then sacrificing phone calls behind the wheel will certainly be worth it.

CD

Category: Crashes Caused by Trucks

Labels: accident Brannon buses cell phones Crash Death distracted driving injury trucks Wreck

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

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Norfolk, VA Personal Injury Attorney Reports: USDOT Bans Truck Drivers' Cell Phone Use

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