DOT extends trucker texting ban
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood kicked off his second major conference on distracted driving Tuesday with the announcement that in-state truck drivers who transport hazardous waste will be banned from sending text messages.
The move closed a loophole in a year-old ban on texting by truckers and commercial bus drivers, extending the prohibition to include intrastate truckers who deliver gasoline, propane and other hazardous materials.
LaHood also launched a more concerted effort to get private employers to adopt restrictions on cellphone use by their employees. President Obama a year ago prohibited federal workers from texting while behind the wheel of government vehicles, and from using government-issued cell phones to text even while driving their own cars.
-- Ashley Halsey III
Check back for updates from the distracted driving summit throughout the day.
By
Michael Bolden
| September 21, 2010; 9:18 AM ET
Categories:
Ashley Halsey III, Driving, Transportation Politics
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Posted by: jiji1 | September 21, 2010 11:41 AM | Report abuse
Six months from now, I'd like to see some stats from DOT regarding how many tickets were handed out to truckers for violations. Otherwise, it's just an exercise in optics.
Posted by: WashingtonDame | September 21, 2010 2:13 PM | Report abuse
In DC there is a ban on using a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving. That doesn't seem to prevent MPD officers from tooling around town with a cell phone jammed up against their ear.
Posted by: ceebee2 | September 21, 2010 6:26 PM | Report abuse
MPD, like Metro, is above the law.
Posted by: jiji1 | September 22, 2010 11:49 AM | Report abuse
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Does anyone actually believe this will be enforced?