The government is stepping up its efforts against calling and texting while driving, targeting commercial drivers in its latest round of rule changes. The Transportation Department is proposing a rule that would prohibit commercial truck drivers and bus drivers from using their mobile phone while driving. Current rules prohibit texting while working, but these new changes specifically target mobile phone usage while behind the wheel.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has focused on this issue of distracted driving since assuming his position in 2009. In a statement, LaHood defended this new cell phone ban by saying,
“Every time a commercial truck or bus driver takes his or her eyes off the road to use a cell phone, even for a few seconds, the driver places everyone around them at risk. “
Distracted driving statistics seem to back up LaHood’s statement. A study from the Institute of Highway Safety suggests drivers who are using a handheld device are four times more likely to be involved in an accident serious enough to cause bodily injure to themselves. There are also numerous reports of accidents and fatalities that are caused by texting and driving. Earlier this year, a California plastic surgeon reportedly drove off a cliff to his death after he lost control of his car while typing out a 140 character post to twitter.
Most people agree that mobile phone usage while driving can be distracting and dangerous, but is increased government regulation the answer. Texting while driving is already banned under the current governmental rules. Additionally, commercial truck and bus drivers are often regulated by the company for which they work. Wal-Mart and UPS, for example, prohibit their drivers from using a mobile phone while driving company trucks. If prohibitions are already in place, do we really need another rule banning it a second or even a third time?
[Via Reuters]