DOT Bans Texting for Commercial Truck Drivers
Mar 8, 2012
Brunswick, GA (Law Firm Newswire) March 7, 2012 – Commercial drivers now will have to wait until the next truck stop to send a text message. The new rule to reduce distracted driving comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Truck drivers are prohibited from using a personal electronic device like a smartphone while driving a commercial bus or truck, according to the DOT’s press release.
“This new rule for truck drivers is quite a relief,” said Brunswick truck accident attorney Nathan Williams. “There has been a push for a number of years now to ban texting and driving across the board. This is a good first step.”
Commercial drivers caught using hand-held phones or tablets can face fines of as much as $2,750 per offense. Multiple offenses can result in a suspended license, according to a press release from the DOT. Companies that allow their drivers to break this rule also can be fined up to $11,000.
“Drivers using their phones to send text messages or check their Facebook accounts are clearly distracted and just as dangerous as people driving drunk,” Williams said. “A distracted truck driver is a significant road hazard. This new rule is an important safety measure.”
About 500,000 people are injured every year in crashes involving a distracted driver, according to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Almost 5,500 people are killed because of distracted drivers. Making it illegal for private citizens to drive while using a mobile phone has proven to be more difficult to accomplish. Each state makes the laws for non-commercial drivers and many states are hesitant to restrict the rights of citizens.
Victims of truck accidents often have a long recovery time with high health care costs, rehabilitation costs and time away from work. The Williams Law Group has experienced truck accident attorneys ready to help victims recover financially from highway wrecks.
Nathan Williams is a Brunswick personal injury lawyer, Brunswick divorce attorney, criminal defense and Brunswick DUI lawyer in Southeast Georgia. Visit http://www.thewilliamslitigationgroup.com or call 1.912.264.0848.
The Williams Litigation Group
5 St. Andrews Court
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: 912.264.0848
Toll Free: 877.307.4537
Fax: 912-264-6299
