Obama’s ban on federal workers’ texting and driving starts today

Sending text messages while behind the wheel of a two-ton rolling death machine isn’t just dangerously distracting, it’s downright irresponsible. President Obama realized this back in October when he issued an executive order that would ban all federal employees from texting while driving. The ban goes as far as banning any government employee from sending text message with their official government cellphones even when driving in their personal vehicles. That executive order goes into effect today, ensuring that, at the very least, thousands of federal employees will be practicing safe texting habits.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, “I am proud that the federal government is leading by example, and encourage others to think about how they can set a safety example in their communities, whether it’s through employee policies, safety awareness campaigns, or just making sure your teen driver knows the risks.”

Of course, it’s up to these federal employees to follow the executive order. The problem with texting and driving bans is that mobile phones are easily concealed from view, making it hard for law enforcement to crack down on drivers that flout local laws banning texting while driving. Most of the time, offenders will get nothing more than a slap on the wrist and a small fine for their dangerous driving habits. The good news is that federal employees will be risking their jobs at a time when employment is hard to come by.

The next step would be a nationwide ban on texting and driving, which most Americans support.

[Via: DailyTech]