Effective immediately, the Federal Government has imposed a ban on texting for all commercial truck and bus drivers. The new law goes into effect immediately and bans all truck and bus drivers operating vehicles over 10,000 pounds to text while driving. The law is designed to cut down on driving distractions in order to protect other motor vehicles on the road, and hopefully limit the amount of accidents caused by texting.
In 2008, trucking accidents resulted in almost 6000 deaths and caused over 500,000 injuries in the U.S. Officials say a driver who is distracted by texting is more likely to cause an accident than a person who is caught driving while under the influence of alcohol. Supporters of the new law say distracted drivers cause thousands of accidents and injuries every year resulting in millions of dollars worth of damages.
Truck drivers and commercial vehicle drivers caught texting are subject to a $2700 fine and potential civil and criminal charges. Currently 19 states have banned texting while driving. Alabama has yet to pass the bill on texting.
However, enforcing the law seems like a very difficult task, especially considering the size and speed of these 18-wheelers. The belief is most bus and truck drivers will be afraid of tickets or the possibility of loosing their commercial driver's license and refrain from texting while operating a bus or 18-wheeler.
The Birmingham trucking accident attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt have represented many clients who lives were changed or ruined by distracted truck drivers. For more information on the types of cases we handle, or to speak with an accident attorney regarding your case, call us toll free at 1-888-580-5176 or 205-324-1212.
