Feds to Prohibit Use of Cell Phone by Drivers of Moving Companies, Buses

Three years ago, safety investigators have informed federal regulators about the risks involved in the use of cell phone by drivers of buses, trucks of moving companies and other commercial vehicles. The report also included a recommendation to ban cell phone use by these individuals.

Sadly, the recommendation was only studied by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and rules involving cell phone use were not written. It took numerous high-profile cases to catch the attention of the feds. Finally, the current administration is acting on this particular issue.

A summit, which lasted for two days, was convened in September to discuss distracted driving. It was also be the venue for the announcement of the steps that will be taken to address the use of cell phone by drivers of buses and even trucks of moving companies.

The earlier recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board was actually prompted by an accident in 2004 that involved a motorcoach driver who did not notice a sign that would have informed him that the bus he was driving will not fit under the upcoming bridge.

As a result, 11 of the passengers, mostly children, were injured and the roof was sheared off. The said driver was busy talking on his cell phone.

For the safety board, such accident could have been prevented if special laws regarding cell phone use was in place. Numerous studies have already proven that talking on the cell phone while driving distracts drivers and increases risk of accidents.

With these proofs, even those in the commercial industry have not objected to the proposed ban. Even members of the wireless industry support a ban on texting while driving. The American Trucking Association, on the other hand, remains neutral on the issue since it has yet to see the proposal in writing.

Last month, a petition was also filed by safety advocates asking the Transportation Department to come up with new rules that will prohibit all commercial drivers, including those employed by moving companies, from using their cell phones, gadgets and texting devices except in emergencies.