Government Enacting Tough Laws For Semi Truck Drivers Who Drive While Texting
We have discussed on multiple occasions the dangers associated with people who are driving and using their text messaging devices at the same time. One study we saw compared the danger of driving while texting with driving under the influence of alcohol. In some respects, driving while texting would seem more dangerous than a person who is driving while being just over the legal limit. If I had to choose, I think I would prefer someone who has had a couple of drinks and is just over the legal limit of 0.08 but has his/her eyes on the road driving a normal passenger vehicle to a truck driver operating a 70,000 pound fully loaded tractor trailer who is looking down at his/her cell phone for 30 seconds going 65 miles per hour. Obviously, neither is ideal, but the risk of serious damage in the second instance is tremendous.
In any case, state and federal government agencies have recognized the danger of driving while texting, although after many serious accidents caused by the practice. As a result, the federal government is proposing to make penalties for semi truck drivers who drive while texting more severe. The proposal would provide for a fine up to $2,750 for all offenses and a 60 day suspension for anyone caught doing it a second time within three years. A third offense within three years would result in a 120 day suspension. We think these kinds of punishments are a start, but when one considers how extremely dangerous it is for these semi truck drivers to take their focus off of the road for significant periods of time to send and receive text messages, more should be done to prevent them from doing so.
