Texas Roads Safer Thanks to New Federal Rule

A new federal rule went into effect January 3, 2012 that bans commercial bus and truck drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. The final rule was announced on November 23, 2011 by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

Effects of the Rule
The ban on hand-held cell phone use was promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro fought hard for the ban, saying “It’s just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake.”

Approximately four million commercial drivers are affected by the ban. Any commercial driver caught violating the new rule will face a fine of $2,750 for each offense and may have his/her license suspended if caught more than once.

Several large companies have already instituted policies to ban their drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. Companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones will face a maximum of $11,000 in fines.

Just Put It Down & Save Lives
In 2009, an estimated 5,474 people died in car wrecks that involved distracted driving in the United States. More than 3,000 of those people were killed in Texas car wrecks.

Research shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving impairs a driver just as if the driver has a blood alcohol level of .08 percent. In addition, using a hand-held cell phone while driving puts a driver at a six times greater risk of being involved in a serious Texas car accident.

The results of distracted driving are even more disastrous when larger vehicles are involved. “When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly,” LaHood says.

To help stop distracted driving and save lives, take the Just Put It Down Pledge today. The life you save may be your own.