Texting while driving has become a serious problem for drivers in all 50 states. Texas is no exception. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a proposed ban for all commercial drivers from using cell phones for both talking and texting. This change could help prevent serious injuries from a Houston truck wreck.
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The proposed ban was issued after a truck driver veered off the road in Kentucky and killed 11 people traveling in a passenger van. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it would include banning all commercial drivers from talking, dialing, and reaching for their cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. If a driver is found violating the ban, they would face a federal civil penalty of up to $2,750 for each offense. If the driver continues to ignore the ban they may have their commercial driver’s license revoked.
According to FMCSA research, the act of using a cell phone by a commercial driver involves taking risky and dangerous steps. They state that a driver reaching for an object, including a cell phone, is three times more likely to be involved in a crash. In addition, holding a cell phone while driving increased the risk to six times.
Several major companies have already taken the steps to prevent these incidents from happening by prohibiting mobile phone use while on the clock. Companies like UPS, Wal-Mart, and Covert Transport are only a few of the many businesses with a ban written into their employee policy.
The aftermath of a truck wreck in Texas can be very stressful. Contact a Houston truck wreck attorney today to find out how to get the help you deserve.