Sending a Message

DOT looks to curb texting while driving by truckers

Staff Reports

Truck and interstate bus drivers would be prohibited from using text messaging while driving under a rulemaking planned by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, DOT plans to place restrictions on the use of cell phones while driving.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s widely anticipated announcement came Oct. 1 at the end of a highly publicized two-day summit on distracted driving by commercial and automobile drivers. DOT recognizes distracted driving as a problem among all drivers, but the department currently has authority only to regulate commercial vehicle operators. Other elements of the Obama administration’s plan include:

• An executive order signed by President Obama on Sept. 30 directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they’re on official government business. The order also encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own policies banning texting while driving on the job;

• Making permanent restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in rail operations;