Transportation Safety Board Seeks Sweeping Rules on Truckers & Cell Phones

By Staff Writer

Large trucks and buses pose significant risks to drivers in smaller passenger vehicles…big rigs and buses harder to control and require the driver to be extra careful and alert. One distraction that can, and has led to some major accidents, is cell-phone use while driving.

In light of this, a total ban on cell phone use is being proposed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for millions of bus and truck drivers. The change would be the most sweeping since mandatory seat belt rules were introduced some decades ago.

But considering the ban would cover BOTH hand-held and hands-free devices, many think it goes too far…CB radio use will not be affected by the ban. Currently, there are federal rules on the books banning truckers and bus drivers from texting while driving. Many states have banned hand-held cellphone use while driving.

The full ban was endorsed by the NTSB after it was determined a fatal crash in Kentucky last year was caused by a trucker who was distracted by his hands-free cellphone. Some studies show users of hands- free devices have a tendency to pay more attention to the phone rather than the road.

Drivers and trucking groups though disagree that hands-free devices should be banned. Lynn Murphy, a 66-year old trucker from St. Louis, says truckers shouldn’t use their phones while driving but sometimes have to so they can get directions or instructions.

Cell phones though aren’t the only source of distraction for trucker drivers that pose significant dangers to other drivers on the road.

Mobile technology is something truckers are increasingly using to check-in with their dispatchers, manage their cargo and plan routes. Rather than paper logs, drivers now log their time through a tiny computer mounted in the cab.

Technologies like this certainly help the driver, but can pose distraction if they’re using these devices while driving.

Distracted driving – whether from a large truck or another car on the road – is one of the biggest dangers facing drivers on the road today. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver be sure you understand your rights and obtain any compensation for injuries and damages afforded to you under the law.

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