DOT Wants Ban on Handhelds by Commercial Drivers

As part of a campaign to eliminate distracted driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed a new regulation to prohibit interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using handheld cell phones while operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).

 

 

The proposed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rule would ban commercial drivers from reaching for, holding, or dialing a cell phone while operating a CMV. (WCxKit)

 

 

Violators would face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification of their commercial drivers license (CDL) for multiple offenses.

 

 

Under the rule, states would suspend a CDL after two or more violations of any state law on handheld cell phone use.

 

 

Motor carriers that allow their drivers to use handheld phones while driving would face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

 

 

FMCSA research shows that using a handheld phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps. Drivers reaching for an object, such as a phone, while driving are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Those who dial while driving increase their risk by six times, according to FMCSA.

 

 

In 2009, close to 5,500 people died and a half million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. (WCxKit)

 

 

You can learn more about DOTs campaign to end distracted driving at: http://www.distraction.gov

 

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information.  Contact:  [email protected] or 860-553-6604.