Ban on HANDHELD cell phones starts today
 

Two years ago, I knew about a push to ban "hand-held" electronic devices in commercial vehicles. But, what I read back then implied that they could also include the mic for your CB. Actually, from my own experience, I would say that cell phones are really a smaller percentage of all the distractions the driver encounters. To be honest, there are other things that are just as much a distraction as the phone. But, I don't see any way of getting rid of all of them.

Have you seen the new 'almost' handsfree mic setup that Cobra has? You wear a boom mic and the pushbutton gets attached to your gearshift. I rarely turn my radio on, but if I used it a decent amount, looks like a cool product.

As for the hands-free cellphone, I've been doing that for the past 5 years or so anyway.

Our company has banned us of using cell phones, even hands free. I figured at some point they would outlaw it all together. I didn't click on the link, it might be already passed, but I believe they should also pass a law against the usage of phones, hands free for not only the truckers, but for people in their cars (etc).

I've always hated talking on the phone.
Maybe it's from all the times Shania slammed the phone in my ear.

One time I heard a " tink--buzz " and I think that's the sound you get when someone throws an ear piece against the wall. http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...nd10/shrug.gif

maybe if you would quit calling her while I am talking to her ..

I really shouldn't talk on my phone as much as I do. When I don't answer though.... people always think I'm ignoring them and then I have to spend twenty minutes explaining that I was driving and didn't want to answer.

I agree with Windwalker, I shouldn't eat and drive and I think smoking and driving should be banned too.

[QUOTE=Sharlie;505445
I agree with Windwalker, I shouldn't eat and drive and I think smoking and driving should be banned too.[/QUOTE]

If you're hauling haz-mat, it already is.
Also, there was a guy in Ontario who faced some sort of reprimand for smoking in the cab, since it was deemed that the cab was his workplace and it fell under workplace smoking laws.I believe that thread was on here somewhere, but I can't remember when it happened.

Wow, whats next? No CB radio, are they kidding me? How about being fair, ban cell phones for all drivers, especially four wheelers. They certainly cant talk and drive at the same time. When are we (Truckers) going to take a stand against all this government rules and regulations? First 2010 CSA will cause you to lose your job and now this! You cant get any tickets, you cant talk on your cell phone, you cant fart in your seat, spit out your window, hell you cant roll down your window because the wind may get something in your eye and cause a wreck! What a bunch of pussies in Washington that need a wake up call. Well after a few more years of drivers being knocked out of this industry, they will know they made a huge mistake when there are no more CDL drivers! I for one am sure glad that I am getting near the end of my driving career, I dont know how much more regulation I can stand!

I see some problems with the new rule. I believe the driver can be fined more than $2,700 and his carrier can be fined $11,000. I don't see how any carrier can guarantee that a driver not talk on his cell phone while driving. More and more carriers dispatch and communicate with drivers via cell phones rather than other means of communication. It is insane to hold carriers responsible for drivers talking on their cell phones. With fines this high and including the carrier's, this is nothing short of another money grab by the government. This is something that should be addressed by the states. I think Nevada already prohibits cell phone use in any vehicle.