New Rule Restricts Commercial Drivers' Mobile Phone Use

Organizations that employ truckers, bus drivers and other commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers should be familiar with the requirements of a final rule that prohibits them from driving while using hand-held cell phones. The rule prohibits CMV drivers from holding a mobile phone while operating a vehicle, including while a vehicle is idling in traffic or at a traffic signal. A prohibited mobile phone is one that requires the driver to use "at least one hand to hold" the phone to make a voice call. Hands-free mobile devices are not banned under the rule. 

The rule, issued jointly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, affects approximately 4 million commercial drivers. Penalties for violating the rule are severe. The maximum fine is $11,000 for a company and $2,750 for a driver per offense. Drivers who commit multiple offenses can be disqualified from holding a commercial driver's license and have their state licenses suspended if they have at least two serious traffic violations.

The rule promotes safety on the road. Research has shown that commercial drivers are three times more likely to be involved in an accident if they are reaching for an object, such as a cell phone. They are six times more likely to get in an accident while entering a number on a handheld phone. These tasks force the driver to take his or her eyes off the road in front of them, which puts the driver at risk.

Experts divide distracted driving situations into four categories: visual, manual, cognitive and auditory. Talking on a handheld mobile phone engages all four categories of driver distraction. Text messaging has been banned for commercial drivers since September 2010, and texting has been banned since February 2011 for intrastate hazardous materials drivers. Requiring drivers to complete a safe driving training course helps ensure awareness of safe-driving practices.  

Categories: General Business Compliance
Tags: Safe Driving