‘No Texting!’ US tells truckers
p2pnet view | Mobiles:- Multitasking increases the risk of vehicle crashes, says the US department of transportation.
So yesterday, legislation stopping interstate commercial truckers and bus drivers from sending text messages while they’re operating moving vehicles went into effect, says the New York Times.
“Truckers and bus drivers who violate the rule, which is effective immediately, face civil or criminal fines of up to $2,750,” it says.
“Today we’re sending a strong message,” the Dallas News has transportation secretary Ray LaHood saying. “We don’t merely expect you to share the road responsibly with other travelers – we require you to do so.”
It’s the “latest in a Washington campaign to make drivers keep their eyes on the road in an age of wireless devices increasingly prone to distract them,” says the story, adding:
“Last month, Obama ordered about 3 million federal workers to stay off their cellphones while driving. He strongly encouraged states and companies alike to follow suit.
“The news was greeted by lukewarm support from the trucking industry, which sees such bans as appropriate, but faulted the haste with which the move was made.”
..… and identi.ca
New York Times – Rule Bans Texting for Truckers and Bus Drivers, January 26, 2010
Dallas News – Ban slams the brakes on texting by truckers, January 27, 2010
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