Government

Gov’t Proposes Ban on Cell Phones in Commercial Trucks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government is proposing to ban commercial truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones from behind the wheel.

The Transportation Department says the proposal would prevent interstate truck and bus drivers from reaching for, holding or dialing a cell phone while operating their vehicle.

Bus and trucking companies and their drivers could face fines and drivers who rack up multiple offenses could lose their licenses.

Nearly 5,500 people were killed and half a million were injured in 2009 in crashes involving a distracted driver.

The government estimates 4 million commercial drivers would be affected by the proposal. Already this year the government banned text messaging while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Comments (183)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • charles1540
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:32pm

    There is just no end to how the government bureaucratic want to control everything in this country. Perhaps we need to eliminate some government jobs before they destroy what is left of the free enterprise system in the country

    Report Post »  
  • logicjack
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:32pm

    Hmm have to wonder why a study never said CB radio’s and reaching over to change channels over the last 50 of so years never did what they say cell phones do. Also considering cell phones do not even have to be held to use( CB Mikes were ) what the hell is different about adjusting the radio and singing along to the songs.

    Report Post »  
  • Have-Gun-Will-Travel
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:30pm

    Lets ban them taking a piss in a M Dew bottle and chucking them out the window in the ditch.

    you know how many liberal homeless pick up those bottles from the ditch and take a drink thinking someone threw away a full bottle of dew.

    Report Post » Have-Gun-Will-Travel  
    • Lantern
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 4:46pm

      No one ever accused the homeless of being intelligent. You think that’s maybe why they ARE homeless?

      Report Post » Lantern  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:26pm

    I know most of us drive either tractors or garbage trucks and I am deeply saddened by this ruling. It’s difficult enough to drive with a ****** helmet impeding our side vision. Thank God we can still ride our mules without government interference, or are mules considered commercial vehicles also?

    Report Post » mossbrain  
    • Lantern
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:57pm

      It’s not a ruling, it’s a proposal. Call your Rep. and Senator and express your displeasure of this stupid idea.

      Report Post » Lantern  
  • Sunnyr
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:19pm

    Cell Phones should not be “banned” anywhere, however, anyone caught using a cell phone while driving should be fined $500 for the FIRST OFFENSE and $1,000 for the Second and then jail time. Too many IDIOTS in our society go down the road while TEXTING or talking and many people have died as a result of their stupidity. I wouldn’t care if they were the only victims but they take others with them.

    Report Post » Sunnyr  
    • RandomOrder
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 7:51pm

      If you fine people for using cell phones while driving that is as good as banning them….what you are proposing is weath redistribution….punish those you “feel” are a danger with fines….I will not sever my ability to contact my family ….would you?….I can honestly say that I have saved more lives on the road then you will ever comprehend and I take my own saftey seriously!…Personal responsiblity is what should be taught and praised…..Not punishment because someone“feels” like it….

      Report Post »  
  • Bryan
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:13pm

    As a fomer driver, talking on the phone, while eating a sandwhich, turning a corner, and shifting a 15 speed trans, I am still safer than most drivers on the road. I had to answer messages on a sattelite comm device while driving, and many times when I did pull over on the side of the interstate to type a reply, I was harassed for causing a danger to others, by being on the side of the interstate for a message. Cant pull over because a car might run of the road and hit me. Cant do it while driving? What do we do then?

    Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:57pm

      Maybe us commercial drivers should just yell real loud and let the other idiots who haven’t seen a road test since 16 years old talk, text, put on make up, and use their ipads.

      Report Post » 8jrts  
  • FreedomAdvocate
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:12pm

    Personally, I dont find talking on a cell phone any more distracting (and maybe less so) than talking with someone in the car. I don’t buy the studies, I think they are based on worst case scenarios.

    Report Post »  
  • ParahSalin
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:11pm

    As usual, trying to micromanage every aspect of our lives. Next big brother will ban pilots from texting while flying, too. WHEN WILL IT END?!?

    Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:10pm

    Communism is alive and well, people.

    Ignore these words at the expense of your own peace of mind.

    Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:17pm

      Check that – I guess National Socialism is the most accurate way to describe these people’s ideology; yeah, like there’s really a difference.

      Report Post »  
    • fbw
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:17pm

      I am always amazed at the people that preach the Constitution and freedoms and then wish to take them away from those that they feel are non-deserving of them.
      It is obvious that most of these people have never driven a large truck and had to deal with all the inconsiderate divers that only wish to get around you at any cost, only to slam on their brakes, stop and turn in front of you. Maybe they should make everyone have to drive a truck for several months before they get to renew their license. Then maybe they would have a little understanding of who’s the real problem on the road is.

      Report Post »  
  • GhostOfJefferson
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:08pm

    Reckless Operations laws are already on the books in, I believe, all 50 states. Reckless ops covers anybody, for any reason, operating their vehicle in an unsafe manner. You can nail every single instance of an unsafe vehicle operation due to cell phone distraction with reckless ops, and achieve the desired results of safer roads, without taking away our own right to communicate with those whom we wish to communicate with at our own leisure.

    Less laws, not more.

    Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:07pm

    Leading cause of death below age 34 involves a motor vehicle.

    Just prohibit people under the age of 34 from being near a motor vehicle.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • UH60L13
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:05pm

    I will stop using my Cell Phone behind the wheel once the Cops stop using their Radios, Cell Phones, and Computers while driving their squad cars.

    Report Post » UH60L13  
  • CaptGregg
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:03pm

    Professional drivers aren’t the problem! They routinely use their phones for emergencies and to obtain information. (A friend who is an over-the-road truck driver often calls on me to look up the specific location of an address he is to report to. He recently called for instructions as to how to detour around a fatal accident on I-40 near Alberquerque.) Their livelihood is on the line if they are cited for carelessness or have an accident.

    Report Post »  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:02pm

    Should we have regulations and fines for misuse? Yes, but the government has no right to ban them from anyone. What comes next? Think about it. Shut down all forms of communication? Give them that control and watch what will follow. Open that door just a crack and see how long it is before the kick it in.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • usa2stay
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:59pm

    I think someone should research the number of people that have been saved by truckers either reporting via CB or CELL PHONES. They are Americans and they should be treated accordingly. The Government let’s pilots have cell phones. I’m sure the AMTRAK engineers have cell phones. How dare the Government decide to step into the Free Market and try to control a market of 4 million American consumers!

    Report Post »  
    • Hobo Boondocks
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:22pm

      “Nearly 5,500 people were killed and half a million were injured in 2009 in crashes involving a distracted driver.” So, how many of the 55 hundred were killed by commercial truck drivers? And how many of the half million injured were at the fault of truck drivers?

      Report Post »  
    • eddvoss
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:54pm

      Here is a link to the stats of trucking accidents and the causes.
      http://www.truckinfo.net/trucking/stats.htm

      Report Post » eddvoss  
    • RandomOrder
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 7:29pm

      Hey Ed….Look up the stats on mexican trucks in the US…They drive around in unregulated junk and can’t even read the road signs….The Canadian truckers are at least trained to drive an 80,000lbs semi….and can do it in the snow….

      Report Post »  
  • gilmoresinc
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:59pm

    Yea, Cell Phones = CB’s = Can’t be banned.

    Breaker Breaker I’m at a 10/100 good buddy!

    Report Post » Brandon  
    • the_ancient
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:04pm

      You know I am actually shocked the FCC has not tried to re purpose the CB Freq Band for other uses or make them “Go Digital” like they have with TV.

      Report Post » the_ancient  
    • Reagan/Demint.deciple
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:32pm

      @ THE ANCIENT…. Sssssshhhhhh !!!!! Don’t give them any ideas… :)

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
  • mtnclimberjim
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:59pm

    What about the people killed from the mexican invasion? Bunch of jackasses!!!! Get the hell out of our trucks.

    Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • diesel71dan
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 8:30pm

      LOL…. There was a bunch of Arabs at the TA the other day. They were knelt down on their pray rugs next to their trucks. I know it’s not PC to profile but …. If I cant bring a bottle of water on a plane, do you think its a good idea for Ahab the Arab to have a tanker truck of LPG???? Just asking.

      Report Post »  
  • Witchyman
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:56pm

    Just an FYI, I’m a truck driver and my company (which I won’t mention, but it’s a world-wide salty food snack manufacturer) does not allow me to use even a hands free device with my cell phone. If a TEXT comes in I’m not allowed to even look to see what it is. If I get a call, even from work, I’m to pull to the side of the road when safe and return the call.

    Report Post » Witchyman  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:30pm

      That makes sense to me, now if everyone driving, whether it be a car or truck, would do the same the gov wouldn’t have any excuse to make a bunch of new laws. You know they won’t make just one.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • BlazingPatriot
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:56pm

    Ban handheld cellphones in commercial trucks – Yes!
    Approve hands-free wireless and blutooth devices in commercial trucks – Yes!

    Report Post » BlazingPatriot  
    • RandomOrder
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 7:22pm

      If the Truck driver is unable to handle a communication unit and drive he cannot handle driving the truck anyway….That same driver could become distracted by something as small as dropping his wireless headset trying to recharge it….There are many other ways to improve saftey on the roads without stealing my personal liberty…

      Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:56pm

    Anti-communication attempt to prevent professional drivers from reporting crimes and events.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • the_ancient
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:55pm

    90% of all accidents involving Semi-Trucks are the fault of non-commerical drivers.

    If the government wants safer Big Trucks, they need to STOP worrying about the drivers and start worrying about

    a> the companies that ignore safety rules, and make their drivers pay the fines for the equipment they have no control over
    b> Stop these “2 week and drive” courses that have moved Driving from a Skilled Trade to a Unskilled Labor Position where anyone with a pulse can drive a 80,000 pound weapon…

    Report Post » the_ancient  
    • RandomOrder
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 7:13pm

      I agree with you about the lack of training….but that has government written all over it just like every other problem we face….They subsidize training by the large trucking companies:JB Hunt,Schnieder,Swift,U.S Express…..all paid via tax breaks or grants…They sucker people in with the grant money/deferred loans…teach them how to pass the test and throw them to the wolves…I went through that system 16 years ago and it has only got worse…They either crash and die within 3 years or burn out from the stress….The best drivers are being regulated off the roads…You get what you pay for….

      Report Post »  
    • diesel71dan
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 8:07pm

      @ RandomOrder
      You left Werner out of your list. Cell phones are a big distraction but that damn Navcom thing isn’t? You cant call a dispatcher to find out why the hell your load isnt ready but you can bust out a keyboard and type him a paragraph!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • RandomOrder
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 11:35pm

      @ Dan…..I started at Werner…..I left when they got electronic logs…..The big companies & the government regulators are squeezing the smaller trucking companies out of the game….The smaller company that I work for counters by being more efficient and customer friendly…..We established a niche and provide the services that the larger companies cannot….There is something to be said for the fastest wins…..

      Report Post »  
  • cnsrvtvj
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:55pm

    They are going to talk about the rights that we are losing at donsmithshow.com. The liberals always ask on the blogs what liberties we are losing. Here is another example. How about Michelle Obama saying we can’t just leave meal choices up to the parents. This is getting crazy.

    Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • Elrik68
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:32pm

      Enough with the donsmithshow.com for Pete’s sake… Poor Pete

      Report Post » Kromlik  
  • Disabledvet
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:55pm

    I think it should be for all vehicles

    Report Post »  
  • cessna152
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:54pm

    Yes… for your safety, of course. Enough, enough, enough!!!!! Geez, these people are freaking NUTS! What’s next… no talking to passengers? No driving with children? No eating while driving? No coffe? No breathing… FU!

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • biggreenboo
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:18pm

      Actually, eating and driving is illegal in my state… although i don’t know anybody that has received a ticket for it.

      Report Post »  
    • tonguetied5
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:27pm

      No driving at all for us low lifes. But they always start small. These drivers are the minority, so they can try to get away with it.

      Then its us.

      Report Post »  
    • clipper
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:45pm

      What about putting makeup on while driving?

      Report Post »  
    • cessna152
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:56pm

      Once they tell us we can’t pick our nose and drive… I draw the line! Actually, some of those sticky ones can be VERY distracting!

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 5:33pm

      I have been run off the road by people on cell phones. As far as I can tell there are a snotload of people who can’t talk on the phone and drive at the same time. What is so darned important that you can’t go twenty minutes without needing to yap on the phone?

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • Patriot
    Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:52pm

    First they came for my cell phone……

    Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 2:59pm

      Don’t these idiots in Washington have better things to do?

      Report Post »  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:09pm

      I propose a ban on govt. stupidity.

       
    • uncleherbert
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:11pm

      It is for your safety comrad. Remember do not give up your liberties for a little safety.

      Report Post » uncleherbert  
    • cubber
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:12pm

      They can’t have MY stuff. BE PREPARED.

      Report Post » cubber  
    • cessna152
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:19pm

      If they come for my stuff I will give it back to them really, really fast. Like 1500 FPS….

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:22pm

      If women would stop talking so much, just make your point then shut up!

      How many of these cell phone incidents involve women rambling on and on and on and on about what she said he did she heard can’t believe that happened….again. Blah blah blah. Where are you now?

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • BMartin1776
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:22pm

      Sorry but I have to agree with them on this I have seen way too many truckers on cell phones. you can always tell after you bolt around them, after dodging their the weaving or haphazard driving, when you look in your mirror and see their hand to the side of their head(daytime) or see the light emitted from the phone at night.

      We have seen reports of the # of accidents involving cells and trucks/buses. They are rolling death machines with massive tonnage heading toward people. the dont realize the missile they are in charge of.

      Im all for phone restrictions driving in general actually. Im sure I wont be making too many friends but if you have experienced some of the things I have on the road you should be in agreement.

      http://www.savingtherepublic.om

      Report Post » BMartin1776  
    • eddvoss
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:40pm

      As a commercial driver I can tell you that the majority of accidents involving cars and Semis the car is most likely the cause and this is from AAA. Also even with the advent and use of cell phones by truck drivers the number of serious accidents continues to decline. I have no problem with mandating hands free but not the banning of all cell phone use.

      Report Post » eddvoss  
    • Psytoxic
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:45pm

      Yeah, I’m tired of this. The government tells me I can’t drive as fast as I want, it’s for my safety. They tell me I have to stop if a light is red, it’s for my safety. I have to strap myself into my vehicle, it’s for my safety. I’ve had enough of the government telling me what to do.

      Report Post » Psytoxic  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 3:50pm

      How long until they shut down the cell phone systems completely? Not to mention all other matter of communications for ‘health and safety’ reasons?

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • cessna152
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 4:00pm

      BMartin1776,

      See, this is where we as a nation and people have failed. Yes, I believe in government… but limited. We will never live in utopia and the more we try to create one the further away from one we actually get. Remember gun laws? Who do they protect? Criminals. Laws like this protect the bad drivers and punish the good ones. Good drivers use common sense and bad drivers NEVER will. So once again the good driver gets caught and the bad driver moves along either way. More laws and regulations NEVER make society better… it is a farce.

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • RandomOrder
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 4:05pm

      @ BMartin……….To me this is another liberty issue….Punish all for the mistakes of a few….I too have seen first hand how some truck drivers irresponsible behavior creates a hazard…but the percentage of distracted truck drivers is small compared to cars…Most accidents I see are in populated areas that are disigned wrong…or are unable to handle the amount of traffic flow…Also weather plays a big role in most statistics….I drove through that blizzard in Illinois last week because it’s my job…I drove through safely….but some did not…I can assure you no truck driver was distracted that day….We were dodging cars…on ice..with a 50mph crosswind…It is what we face every day….Why do you think we are so grouchy?

      Report Post »  
    • what4
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 4:06pm

      Sorry peeps, I say get rid of the damned things all together! People my have to become human again!

      Report Post »  
    • Nightstalker
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 4:49pm

      The house is on fire, we better close the windows so we don’t get smoke in the neiborhood!
      These people are idiots, we are spending more on interest to service our national debt than anything else, and they are worried about drivers talking on the phone!
      Incredible!!
      The government is full of the stupidest people in the world!

      G-d help us!

      Report Post » Nightstalker  
    • Rogue
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 5:09pm

      All you people talking about losing your freedom – talking on a cell phone while driving is not your right – you are a hazard to others on the road. That‘s like saying drinking and driving should be legal because it’s your right to drink. Other than using a hands-free device, all phone usage by the driver should be banned, in any vehicle.

      Did you bother to even read the story above? 500,000 injuries due to distracted driving last year. Calling your BFF while driving 60 down the road to talk about OMG is rediculous. Pull over or wait until you get where you are going to make that call.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 5:46pm

      That’s right, no cell phones for truckers. If you really think you need to talk to somebody then use your CB radio. After all that is safer than a cell phone. When are these mutants going to wake up and quit trying to regulate EVERYTHING. Once again some lobby or group tells some dolt Congresscritter in order to make us safe they have to ban this or that. The Congresscritter thinks, WOW if I do this I can tell all these dub people how much I care and they will vote me back into my cush job with all these benefits. What are we doing? Or better yet, what are WE allowing!

      I better not see any, and I mean any, commercial truckers in McDonalds getting any happy meals or I’m gonna tell Nancy and Harry.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • shortoldman
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 5:53pm

      This is addressed to Rogue…

      what a jerk

      Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:25pm

      Want be long until you can’t use a cell phone in your car. Mark it down. National Socialism is here.

      Report Post »  
    • NeoFan
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:36pm

      Don’t support this crap. The fed should not have the power to ban anything.

      Report Post »  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:48pm

      I agree with EDDVOSS. I drive a bus and I’m required to have a cell phone (direct talk) on my bus. Trouble is most of my route is freeway under construction 2 years now, with no place to pull over to talk. Company won‘t like me driving 60 extra freeway miles over last minute route change cause I couldn’t answer the phone!

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • JESUS-IS-LORD
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 6:52pm

      I can still pray, read my Bible, sing, eat and pick my nose while I drive!

      Report Post » JESUS-IS-LORD  
    • jbirdsall
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 7:29pm

      @RandomOrder
      I drove through that storm on Saturday through Iowa. Omaha was a nightmare. 50-60 mph crosswinds, snow blowing up down and sideways and me in a Honda CRV with the wipers iced up. What I saw was everyone acted professionally, especially the truckers and there were no problems whatsoever. The intermitent whiteouts were a little scarey but that’s part of I80 in the winter.

      Report Post »  
    • EOVT
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 9:10pm

      Correct, & then they came for my salt & then they came for my smokes, etc. But I don’t use salt or smoke so who cares. I think we have heard this all before ( thanks Adolf). Have’nt we learned anything?

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 9:33pm

      Personally, I believe cell phones need to be ban from all moving vehicles. Every time some driver almost hits me, they are always on their cell phones. http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Modawg734Blue
      Posted on December 17, 2010 at 10:28pm

      @bmartin
      Have you ever changed a CD while driving? What about the channel on your radio? Can you honestly say you never do anything that might be considered a distraction while driving? Have you talked with anyone in the vehicle? These are all distractions. Do you want to wait until tomarrow to have you heating or cooling system repaired. the technician may have to drive 30 miles back to the shop, when he was a block away. Give the Government an inch and they will take another mile.

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on December 18, 2010 at 12:48am

      They should ban commercial trucking (unless the products being delivered are for the progressive elites). Hell, while their at it they should ban driving (unless the vehicle belongs to a progressive elite). Then to top it off they should just ban people (excluding the progressive elites of course).

      PatriotShops.com

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • jwd54401@yahoo.com
      Posted on December 18, 2010 at 7:01pm

      Wrong. First they came for our bird dogs, then our Class A,s now our cell phones. We never learn.

      Report Post »  
    • Hanna
      Posted on December 19, 2010 at 6:23am

      Breaker 1-9, what about all those truckers for all these years that have been doing the old 10-4 with their CB radios for yearssssssssssss, and no one ever had a problem with it, and they weren’t swerving all over the road and I dont recall anyone ever claiming that an accident had been caused due to a trucker talking on a CB radio. Do these people really think we are this stupid?

      Report Post »  
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