US DOT bans texting while driving for commercial drivers
The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has officially banned commercial drivers from texting while driving. On Tuesday, January 26, the USDOT announced that the ban is effective immediately.
The ban applies to drivers of buses and trucks over 10,000 lbs and those who do not comply could face criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) study released in 2009, showed that drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get into a crash. There is no question that texting while driving is dangerous.
So what’s next?
It could be a nationwide ban for all drivers. Nineteen states have already outlawed the practice for all drivers, and 10 other states have restrictions for new drivers.
For more information about texting while driving go to our major dangers page. Stay tuned to t-driver.com in the coming months for the latest texting while driving news.
This is a step forward a federal ban on texting while driving for all drivers. We need to encourage our local, state, and national representatives to support legislation against the use of discretionary driving distractions while on the road.