[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Midnight Flyer

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.