Cell phone use continue to be a hot topic for the trucking industry. In 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) passed a law banning commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. Studies show that the effects of distracted driving are high, and states across the nation are making efforts to lower the danger for truckers and all drivers. Still, understanding exactly what the regulations cover and dealing with the ban can be difficult for drivers.
FMCSA Regulations Regarding CMV Driver Cell Phone Use
The FMCSA regulations strictly prohibit the use of any handheld mobile devices while operating a commercial motor vehicle. What does this mean? It means that drivers are not allowed to hold or reach for their cell phones while driving. No dialing a call, reaching to answer an incoming call, no texting or emailing, and so on.
CMV drivers neglecting to follow the ban can be faced with fines up to $2750. Carriers who allow or require their drivers to use a cell phone while driving can be penalized up to $11,000! These are hefty fines that can be avoided be being aware and complying with the regulations. And keep in mind that drivers are permitted to hands free devices under safe conditions, with voice activation or a one-button dial.
How Dangerous is Distracted Driving for CMV Drivers?
The media is full of infomercials and news stories about the dangers of texting while driving and distracted driving due to cell phone use. In fact, 26% of all accidents on the road in our nation are caused by cell phone use. Only 5% are reported as caused by texting. However, that is how many are reported – one can imagine that many drivers do not come forward with such information.
CMV drivers using a cell phone are over 23 times more likely to have an accident. For the trucking company, this could mean big bucks – the average cost of a CMV accident is $25,000, according to the FMCSA, and that’s without serious injuries or death!
The dangers may be higher for a driver of a big truck, but any distracted driving puts all others on the road at risk. In this, the trucking industry is ahead of the game, as many states are just implementing laws against texting while driving, and many do not have penalties for talking on handheld device.
- 44 states ban all text messaging by any driver
- There are no laws banning texting in Arizona, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, or Texas
- 38 states ban novice drivers from any cell phone use behind the wheel
- 20 states ban all cell phone use by school bus drivers
- Only 14 states have laws against handheld cell phone usage
The number of cell phone related deaths are decreasing every year, but the trucking industry continues to push for increased safety for CMV drivers.
Disabling Cell Phones in Truck Cabs
One beverage distribution company in New York has taken the next step in meeting DOT and FMCSA regulations and installed technology into their trucks that block cell phone use. The device requires an app to be downloaded onto the phone, and then blocks the cell signal when the truck is in motion. The drivers are incapable of using their phones and incoming calls are sent straight to voice mail, without alerting the driver.
Fans of this technology call it the ultimate solution to distracted driving. For only $70 for the equipment per truck and a $65 annual fee for service, trucking companies have control over drivers cell phone use on the road. According to the company, their drivers have accepted the new level of driver monitoring, understanding that it is the company goal to increase safety for each driver and everyone on the road.
Others say this a step too far. With GPS tracking, electronic log books and the multiple other new technologies that are making their way into the trucking industry, some truckers are feeling suffocated. Online comments question the need for disabling devices, and wonder, what about emergency situations? Is it ok to leave a trucker on the road for hours with no means of communicating?
What do you think about the FMCSA regulations regarding cell phone use? Do you think it makes a difference in road safety for CMV’s and other vehicles? Is electronic monitoring and blocking helping the cause or going too far? No matter which side of the fence you sit on, it’s easy to see that the topic of truckers and cell phones will continue to be a hot topic.
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