Construction Law

Federal Government Issues New Rules to Encourage Its Contractors to Prohibit Text Messaging While Driving

By John P. Ahlers

In a new rule issued as a new subpart in FAR Part 23, federal contractors and subcontractors are encouraged to adopt and enforce policies that ban text messaging while driving. The new clause states that contractors should implement "new rules and programs or re-evaluation of existing programs to prohibit text messaging while driving; and education and awareness, and other out reach to employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving."

Contracting Officers are required to include this language in federal solicitations and contracts (valued at $3000 or more) to encourage contractors to adopt and enforce policies to ban text messaging while driving. The government contends this policy will promote economy and efficiency in federal procurement, and seeks to prohibit the disruption of government business and federal procurement, as a result of unsafe text messaging practices. The proposed new rule became effective as of September 29, 2010. The comment period closed November 29, 2010. Any comments received will be considered when formulating the final rule.

Federal Register, Vol. 75, No. 188, pgs. 64-60267.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-24156.pdf

 

Full post as published by Construction Law Blog on January 24, 2011 (boomark / email).