Texting Ban for Truckers Goes Into Effect
By Jim Lewis, Attorney
A new federal ban on texting while driving is now in effect for truck and bus operators. If a trucker gets caught texting, they face a fine of $2,750, according to huliq.com.
The texting laws appear to be in response to studies indicating a dramatic increase in the risk of serious accidents when someone texts behind the wheel. One study revealed texting while driving is as dangerous as drunk driving while another said texting increased the chances of an accident by 23 fold.
In 2008, nearly 6,000 people were killed, and over 500,000 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents linked to distracted driving. Our firm wrote a special, in-depth consumer report about the dangers associated with distracted driving. Please take a moment to review the report here.
Virginia (VA) already passed a law restricting texting while driving for regular car operators, though the law categorizes texting as a secondary offense which means a police officer cannot pull someone over if they see them texting. The driver has to commit a primary offense first such as speeding or running a red light. Since commercial trucks and buses are regulated by federal law, the penalties and circumstances are different to enforce the law.
Many states (19 so far) are passing texting while driving bans and there could be a federal law which requires state texting laws or else federal highway funds would be reduced.
Will these new laws lead to restrictions on computer communication equipment thats featured in many commercial trucks? Its possible, but the federal texting law hasnt been passed and could be amended to allow for exemptions. The American Truckers Association has already endorsed the bill.
For now, the federal ban on texting while driving in a truck applies to a personal cell phone device.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) although our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right nowwe provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.
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January 26, 2010
Posted in: Virginia (VA) Trucking Injury/Accidents Topics
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