Federal Officials Ban Texting by Truck and Bus Drivers

Federal officials have banned hand-held cell phones and texting by drivers of large commercial trucks and buses. This should serve as an effective way of preventing the dangers of distracted driving. According to a Reuters news report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that the ban on handheld cell phones and texting while driving will take effect immediately for large truck and bus drivers. The new ban carries fines of up to $2,750. However, federal officials have not yet come up with an enforcement plan, which is key to making sure that the ban actually works.

Distracted driving on U.S. roadways has resulted in thousands of fatalities and many more injuries. The National Safety Council estimates that texting while driving causes approximately 200,000 car accidents each year. At least 24 states have issued handheld cell phone and texting bans and others are in the process of enforcing similar laws. It is absolutely important for commercial trucks that cross state boundaries to be mandated by federal law to follow these safety rules. Distracted driving, especially by a truck driver who has an 80,000-pound vehicle at his control, can be disastrous. Federal officials will hopefully find a way to enforce this law, which will certainly go a long way in keeping our roadways safer. Getting this law passed, however, is a good first step.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington tractor-trailer accident, please contact the experienced Washington truck accident lawyers of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful educational information to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2010/01/26/106860.htm