Personal Injury Law

Texting While Driving Banned for Truck, Bus Drivers

By Regan Zambri & Long

Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, founding partner

It's official!  It is illegal for commercial drivers, including truck and bus drivers, to operate vehicles while text-messaging.  "In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in accidents related to distracted drivers, and more than half-a-million were injured," according to CBSnews.com.  Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood previously announced, "We're gonna set the highest bar possible. ... Any distraction that takes two hands off the wheel and eyes off the windshield should not be allowed."  The law prohibiting text messaging by commercial drivers took effect today.  

I applaud the law, but wonder if it is enough.  The penalty for an infraction is a fine up to  $2,750.  Unfortunately, it is a law difficult to enforce, as it is hard to catch someone driving while texting.  Often, whether a driver was texting while driving is not determined until it's too late--after an automobile collision that causes serious injury or death. 

Each year I give presentations at local schools to teen drivers and their parents about the dangers of distracted driving.  One thing I preach is the need for a cultural change.  Too many parents text and use cell phones while driving.  Their children see this conduct and accept the behavior as safe.  It certainly is not.  Parents need to set better examples.  Passengers also need to take control of dangerous situations.  If you are a passenger and see the driver texting or using a cell phone demand that the driver pull over or stop engaging in distracted driving.  It is your life after all.  Don't risk it.

Travel safely.

About the author:

Full post as published by DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog on January 26, 2010 (boomark / email).