It’s in the news – no more texting by commercial vehicle and bus drivers, effective immediately. The network newscasts show over-the-road tractor trailers, as if its only the big rigs it applies to, but please beware, because it says commercial vehicles, it applies to Tool Trucks also. The Department of Transportation announced on January 26th that it decided to prohibit texting by drivers of commercial motor vehicles. Drivers who violate the ban are subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750 per occurrence. In making it’s ruling the DOT cited research concluding that if a driver was texting “at 55 miles per hour…the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road”. Not good. This is a major reason I have really cut back riding my Kawasaki Concours. I don’t want to be over-run from behind by a distracted driver.
The day this passed a 19-year old knucklehead where I live was involved in a one-car crash into a utility pole because he was texting while driving, and was hospitalized with head injuries. He looked down, and oops! Not that I wish anyone troubles, but fortunately the person who caused this was the one who was injured and not an innocent person walking down the road or driving. I wish people would act right and not do this because I can’t stand any more government intrusion in our lives. However, I agree with the regulation because the only way some people will stop doing it is if it against the law. The law doesn’t say anything about texting from a vehicle while stopped. Please be aware of this new regulation because this fine is going to hurt! Take care, Tom
