The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has banned texting while driving for all commercial truck drivers and bus drivers, effective immediately. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently announced the latest texting ban, clearly stating that the ban is designed to keep truckers, bus drivers, and every other motorist on the road safer.
The new texting ban is just the latest in numerous bans on distracted driving that have been put in place by the DOT and state governments across the country. California placed a ban on texting while driving in 2009. Arizona does not currently have a ban on texting while driving, but the city of Phoenix has had one in place since 2007. The penalty for the new texting law is steep. Any trucker or bus driver violating the new law will be fined $2,750.
The National Safety Council estimates that driving while texting causes hundreds of thousands of accidents each year, or around 1 in every 30 accidents. Accidents involving large trucks or buses often involve serious injuries, or worse. Banning texting while driving for commercial truck drivers and bus operators should hopefully prevent some major, devastating truck accidents from occurring.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker hears from the victims of auto accidents caused by distracted driving everyday. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker to help you preserve your legal rights. We can always be reached at (800) 333-0000.
For more information on the new texting ban, please visit the Fast Lane blog, operated by the DOT.
