The federal government passed tough new regulations this week, making it illegal nationwide for commercial bus and truck drivers to text message while driving.
While the New York Injury Lawyer blog reported in November when New York outlawed text messaging by all drivers, the federal ban is important because of the large numbers of out-of-state commercial drivers on state roads.
In 2008, more than 4,000 people were killed by accidents with large trucks in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. In 2007, nearly 14,000 people were injured and 146 people were killed in New York trucking accidents, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Several recent high-profile New York bus accidents also serve as a reminder that school bus drivers and commercial tour buses are also required to obey commercial safety regulations meant to protect the public.
"We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe," said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This is an important safety step, and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving."
Truck and bus drivers who violate the law face fines of up to $2,750.
Drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 of every 6 seconds while texting, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The federal government estimates distracted drivers are 20 times more likely to get into a traffic accidents than drivers who are not distracted.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call the New York City bus accident attorneys and the New York trucking accident lawyers at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 866-LifeLaw (866-543-3529).
