The US Transportation Department recently proposed to outlaw text messaging while driving by cross-state truck and bus drivers. This regulatory action follows up on its public service program to lessen the number of distractions that cause crashes.
The plan would replace the temporary ban announced at the beginning of the calendar year by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The proposed ban applies to bus drivers and truck drivers operating vehicles weighing more than ten thousand pounds. To give an idea of the serious nature of the problem, the drivers could face civil penalities and/or even criminal penalties.
The US Department of Transportation reports that 5,870 people were killed and about 515,000 were injured in 2008 in crashes connected to driver distraction. The department has not determined how many of those deaths and injuries were linked to an electronic device. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reflects the Transportation Department estimates with projection that about eighty percent of crashes are caused by distracted drivers. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is sponsoring research to determine the extent of the distracted driver problem. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) states that driver inattention is a leading factor in many crashes, and cell phone calls and sending text messages are some of the most common driver distractions.
State legislatures have reacted to the growing concern regarding mobile phone use and texting while driving by issuing a variety of new laws, inclucing banning handheld cell phone use or texting by all drivers or restricting mobile phone use or texting for a specific demographic, such as teens or school bus drivers. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that currently 20 states and the District of Columbia outlaw all drivers from texting when behind the wheel. An additional nine states prohibiting texting by novice drivers. The remaining states are expected to implement the ban before too long. However it is also believed that the laws are not enough to stop the problem and technology is required. The Governors Highway Safety Association says it supports texting bans for all drivers, but does have concerns about enforcement.
One company with a monitoring solution is Phone Beagle. Their software is installed on Android and BlackBerry mobile phones and monitors GPS location, and text messages along with other phone log activity.
The trucking and passenger bus industries support the text message prohibition, and many corporations have explicit policies prohibiting sending text messages while driving. The government, industry and safety organizations have found common ground that distracted drivers caused bytexting is a menace to society, and deserves action. Advocates for addressing the problem also include celebrity Oprah Winfrey.
The issue is emerging as a new phenomenon. As navigation systems, mobile phones and other mobile electronics have become common in cars and trucks, safety advocates and the government have pushed for restrictions.
As legislation and technology develop to address the problems a software package from Phone Beagle is available to help deal with monitoring phone use. PhoneBeagle is installed on Android and BlackBerry smartphones and monitors GPS location, and text messages along with other phone log events.