In order to keep the roads safe and reduce the amount of truck accidents caused by distracted driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has added a rule prohibiting commercial drivers from using hand-held cell phones when on the road. The rule, which becomes effective on January 3, applies to interstate truck and bus drivers.
"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," U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. "I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel."
Drivers who are caught in violation of this rule will face fines of $2,750 for each offense. Those with multiple offenses may also be at risk of losing their commercial driver's license. In addition, the commercial bus and trucking companies that allow their employees to use hand-held devices while driving may face fines of up to $11,000.
"This final rule represents a giant leap for safety," FMCSA administrator Anne Ferro said in a statement. "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."
This rule, which the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates will affect 4 million interstate commercial drivers, is one of several measures that have been enacted to reduce distracted driving accidents among commercial drivers. For example, in 2010, a rule that banned commercial drivers from texting while driving took effect, as well as a rule prohibiting texting while driving for those who carry hazardous materials on the roads.
