Nationwide Cell Phone Ban for Truckers Proposed

[GMAN]

A friend sent this to me today. If you want to express your views on the ban and try to stop it then you need to ACT NOW!!!


Also, be sure to speak up to the FMCSA about their newest effort to keep us all safe by banning truckers from talking on a cell phone while driving. Public comments are only until Feb 22 and EVERY TRUCKER needs to scream LOUDLY on this one, or they will enact the ban. $2750 fine I think is if you get caught. Proposed Rule: Drivers of CMVs: Restricting the Use of Cellular Phones - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Malaki86]

I tried to send in my comment, but none of the links on that site work.

I don't completely disagree with the proposed regulation, though. Get a headset (bluetooth or wired) or another form of hands-free device and stop trying to drive through rush-hour traffic with a stupid phone pinned to your ear. It's no different than the laws banning handheld cell use in the states that already have this law, except the fines are higher for truckers.

[golfhobo]

I'm ALL FOR IT!!! But, it won't change things.

My co-driver DOES use a headset most of the time now for talking (several hours on some days.) But, he is STILL texting while driving, putting ME at a 23 TIMES more likely ratio to be in a fatal accident.

I've read the ruling before. Unless there are any changes I'm unaware of..... PASS it already and let's move on!

[GMAN]

Texting is already illegal. If your co driver is texting while driving then this new law is not likely to have any effect on him. He is already breaking the law by texting. Perhaps you should contact your company and report him if you are concerned about his behavior. Problem solved.

Perhaps more regulations don't bother you, Hobo. I am pretty sick and tired of more and more useless laws being thrust upon me. Right now we have new HOS rules coming down the pike, EOBR legislation, speed limiter legislation and now more cell phone legislation.

None of this is really about safety. It is all about money. If this were truly about safety then why go after those who cause less than 1/4 of the highway accidents? If it was about safety then they should be going after the 4 wheelers. Personally, I will make my views known about this and the other things that are coming up. The last thing we need are more rules. Next thing they will be doing is putting in a toilet break mandate. Oops, they already have done that with the new proposed HOS.

[GMAN]

I tried to send in my comment, but none of the links on that site work.

I don't completely disagree with the proposed regulation, though. Get a headset (bluetooth or wired) or another form of hands-free device and stop trying to drive through rush-hour traffic with a stupid phone pinned to your ear. It's no different than the laws banning handheld cell use in the states that already have this law, except the fines are higher for truckers.

I believe the proposed law involves no cell phone use, including headsets. I will try to get into the site later and see if it is working. Having higher fines for truckers is discriminatory. It should not be any higher for truckers than 4 wheelers.

[Midnight Flyer]

Texting is already illegal. If your co driver is texting while driving then this new law is not likely to have any effect on him. He is already breaking the law by texting. Perhaps you should contact your company and report him if you are concerned about his behavior. Problem solved.

Perhaps more regulations don't bother you, Hobo. I am pretty sick and tired of more and more useless laws being thrust upon me. Right now we have new HOS rules coming down the pike, EOBR legislation, speed limiter legislation and now more cell phone legislation.

None of this is really about safety. It is all about money. If this were truly about safety then why go after those who cause less than 1/4 of the highway accidents? If it was about safety then they should be going after the 4 wheelers. Personally, I will make my views known about this and the other things that are coming up. The last thing we need are more rules. Next thing they will be doing is putting in a toilet break mandate. Oops, they already have done that with the new proposed HOS.

What it is Gman is the government isn't gonna be happy until they control all aspects of our lives; it's called socialism (or communism, take your pick). I think it was Soviet premier Nikita Krueschev who once said socialism (or communism, take your pick) would someday take over America without firing a shot. Looks like it's beginning to happen.

[Malaki86]

Here's from the page you posted:

Action:

Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments. Summary:

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes to restrict the use of hand-held mobile telephones, including hand-held cell phones, by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) while operating in interstate commerce.

[Windwalker]

Not all that long ago, I believe I posted information about a proposed ruling that commercial drivers would be banned from using ANY hand-held electronic devices. That could also include the mic for the CB radio. I have not kept up with it since I'm retired, but I expect that it will go into effect in some form or other. At the time, it brought to mind, the guys pulling oversize loads, and communicating with their escorts. I see some very serious safety concerns, depending on just how far they go.

[GMAN]

What it is Gman is the government isn't gonna be happy until they control all aspects of our lives; it's called socialism (or communism, take your pick). I think it was Soviet premier Nikita Krueschev who once said socialism (or communism, take your pick) would someday take over America without firing a shot. Looks like it's beginning to happen.

You are right. They want total control. It shows how much they fear the American people. And it was Kruschev who made the statement that they would take over American without ever firing a shot in the early 1960's.

[GMAN]

Not all that long ago, I believe I posted information about a proposed ruling that commercial drivers would be banned from using ANY hand-held electronic devices. That could also include the mic for the CB radio. I have not kept up with it since I'm retired, but I expect that it will go into effect in some form or other. At the time, it brought to mind, the guys pulling oversize loads, and communicating with their escorts. I see some very serious safety concerns, depending on just how far they go.

It may come down to which law do you want to break. The people who make up these laws are totally clueless. I find it interesting that they seem to want to leave the 4 wheelers alone, but really come down hard on truckers. I would like to see them prove that any of these laws are really necessary before they can pass them. They should be required to have a study which proves that banning these or any other type of behavior will make the roads safer. I would also like to see them make laws which are valid for ALL drivers, not just truckers. We don't need half the laws which are targeted at this industry.

[Midnight Flyer]

It may come down to which law do you want to break. The people who make up these laws are totally clueless. I find it interesting that they seem to want to leave the 4 wheelers alone, but really come down hard on truckers. I would like to see them prove that any of these laws are really necessary before they can pass them. They should be required to have a study which proves that banning these or any other type of behavior will make the roads safer. I would also like to see them make laws which are valid for ALL drivers, not just truckers. We don't need half the laws which are targeted at this industry.

Aw Gman you know the government would come up with some phony surveys and studies that they say would prove that truckers using cell phone and CB radios are a deadly menace to the health and well being of the American public. And then the liberal press would get on board and the next thing you know it would happen. Dang I'll be glad when 2012 gets here!

[GMAN]

Aw Gman you know the government would come up with some phony surveys and studies that they say would prove that truckers using cell phone and CB radios are a deadly menace to the health and well being of the American public. And then the liberal press would get on board and the next thing you know it would happen. Dang I'll be glad when 2012 gets here!

Maybe they can use Acorn. You know that you can believe their survey's.

[mitchno1]

we have cell phone use in all vehicles banned in New Zealand but can still use cb and rt radios crazy wats the difference. we tint door windows and use cell phones as normal cant see in truck winscreen unless you in another truck,$150 fine and 25 demerit points,100 demerits for any driving offences over 2years loss licence 3mths

[ilikeike]

What it is Gman is the government isn't gonna be happy until they control all aspects of our lives; it's called socialism (or communism, take your pick). I think it was Soviet premier Nikita Krueschev who once said socialism (or communism, take your pick) would someday take over America without firing a shot. Looks like it's beginning to happen.

Interstate commerce is an aspect of our lives that IS subject to government regulation and oversight. This has nothing to do with your personal freedoms. That said, I am 100% in support of an outright ban on any form of cell phone use by any driver of a moving vehicle, especially the heavy, commercial type. If you need a phone to keep your business rolling, pull over and conduct your business . . then drive.

I know, I know . . some people are easily distracted . . but not me! And not her . .

YouTube - Woman Falls Into Fountain at Mall While Texting and Walking

[ilikeike]

I'm the safest driver there ever was! I'm the safest driver there ever was! Just read my other posts and you'll agree! I'm the safest driver there ever WAS!

My co-driver DOES use a headset most of the time now for talking (several hours on some days.) But, he is STILL texting while driving, putting ME at a 23 TIMES more likely ratio to be in a fatal accident.

I see. The fiery wreck wipes out a family of 5 but the truck's drivers managed to escape the flames. "I was in the back letting the world know what a fantastic driver I am. It never occurred to me that I could have prevented this accident. I wasn't the one texting! I know it isn't safe! Oh . . boo hoo . . what was I to do? It was ONLY 23 times more likely to happen!"

[Mystikal]

Evan Lockridge... or maybe it was Dave Nemo... had someone from FMCSA on the other day and a caller asked about that proposal... the guy confirmed that the cell phone ban was ONLY for hands use and not hands free. You could use a headset/bluetooth and still be in compliance as long as you were able to voice dial... meaning you couldn't touch the phone in any manner to use it.

Personally I can kinda support that... but at the same time I think the restriction should extend to 4wheelers as I think their more dangerous than we are. The feds say they can't regulate the 4wheelers to do this.. but didn't the feds manage to get all the states to jump on the 21+ drinking age bandwagon just by withholding their federal highway funds until they complied? So why wouldn't that work in this similar case?

[Fredog]

I believe the proposed law involves no cell phone use, including headsets. I will try to get into the site later and see if it is working. Having higher fines for truckers is discriminatory. It should not be any higher for truckers than 4 wheelers.

HAND HELD HAND HELD HAND HELD!! it does NOT ban headsets

[Fredog]

Evan Lockridge... or maybe it was Dave Nemo... had someone from FMCSA on the other day and a caller asked about that proposal... the guy confirmed that the cell phone ban was ONLY for hands use and not hands free. You could use a headset/bluetooth and still be in compliance as long as you were able to voice dial... meaning you couldn't touch the phone in any manner to use it.

Personally I can kinda support that... but at the same time I think the restriction should extend to 4wheelers as I think their more dangerous than we are. The feds say they can't regulate the 4wheelers to do this.. but didn't the feds manage to get all the states to jump on the 21+ drinking age bandwagon just by withholding their federal highway funds until they complied? So why wouldn't that work in this similar case?

and they managed to require seat belts in 4 wheelers

[golfhobo]

What IS it about this board? One azzhole leaves and another shows up to take his place.

[One]

Of course theres always those that cry 'big gooberment gunna gitcha'....IDK why people do not understand this is a DEMOCRACY, when a law is proposed it is because someone lobbied for it and if opposition isnt greater it may pass.

Of course tougher laws for pro drivers is rediculous, they should be evenhanded but of course the 4wheeler crowd is bigger than we are and have more sway on lawmakers than us. Its not like they wanna punish us for being us...texting laws are good, but already obsolete since it doesnt include the idiots on their iphones looking at profiles on facebook and very hard to enforce.

From what i hear you are more likely to be distracted if you are talking on the phone even if you are using a headset- BUt you do have the use of both hands and i think that makes a BIG difference, so banning cell use while driving would be horrible unless headsets use is allowed. I know many drivers that are on the phone all night talking with other drivers and have 20 years accident free service. I think it is safer to talk on the phone all night (with a headset) than falling asleep atthe wheel out of sheer boredum, and this has to be pointed out to lawmakers that do not understand the predicaments of driving for 10hrs. Now go do it and quit bitching about 'big gooberment'.