How to Conform to the New FMSCA’s Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for CMV Drivers

Commercial motor vehicle drivers including bus and truck drivers, engaged in interstate commerce will now not be permitted to use hand-held mobile devices while behind the wheel. The rule published by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in the Federal Register on December 2^nd, 2011 has taken effect on January 3^rd, 2012.

While the ban is being looked upon as a positive step towards curbing distracted driving, many are of the opinion that such a ban may not reduce crashes relating to distracted driving but increase the chances of such events taking place.

Can a rule/ban alone be effective?

According to the researchers at the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), laws banning texting while driving could don’t yield a reduction in crashes. In fact, there was a slight increase in the number of insurance claims made under collision coverage for damage to vehicles in crashes. The research was compiled in the year 2010 after comparing claims in four states before and after ruling out bans on texting with claims in nearby states.

The HLDI study suggested that banning the usage of cell phones while driving does not decrease the number of crashes. The drivers worked around this ban by placing their phones on their laps to hide it from cops which meant that their eyes too, went away from the road and onto their laps.

How is the new rule/ban different?

The new ban on hand-held cell phones is directed specifically towards commercial vehicle drivers who can be involved in crashes of a more critical nature considering the size of the vehicle and the materials carried in these vehicles. The new rule has been passed after measuring the risks involved when an operator of a commercial vehicle reaches out for a phone or dials from it while (s)he is driving.

The proposed ban comes after a research conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) revealing that there are a lot of risky steps a commercial driver has to take to use a hand-held cell phone. The study also suggests that commercial drivers reaching for an object like a cell phone are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other event, endangering safety. Moreover, the odds are six times greater when the driver dials a cell phone.

The ban applies to all truck and bus drivers including drivers hauling hazardous materials. Drivers who violate the ban will be penalized with a fine of $2,750. Employers who fail to insist that their drivers should comply will be charged with a civil penalty of $11,000.

How can you ensure drivers conform to the new ban?

While heavy fines and penalties work as negative incentive for drivers and firms employing CMV drivers, they cannot act as reminders. A common case is when a drive has to respond to an urgent call and reaches out to his cell phone because (s)he forgot to switch it off, possibly leading to crashes. Also, with a series of regulations that need to be followed by CMV drivers, it can become difficult at times to remember the newly imposed ban.  A sign is a great way to ensure that the new rule is kept fresh in their minds.

Strategically placed No Cell Phone Signs notifying drivers to not use hand-held cell phones are active visual reminders.

Here’s how you can help the government make the new rule an effective one-

• Employers can place no cell phone signs inside trucks and other commercial vehicles (buses, trailers etc.) where they are visible as soon as the driver steps in.
• Gas station owners can install signs on their premises so that drivers see them before they head off to the road. These signs will also remind drivers who have forgotten to switch off their cell phones to do so.
• CMV drivers have designated pit stops to take a break. While they’re enjoying their break, give them something to read- a humorous no cell phone sign. Not only will they enjoy it, they’d be glad someone reminded them.
• Property owners where trucks may park for a brief period can also place bold and clear signs to notify drivers to not use cell phones while driving.
• Drivers too can put a custom no cell phone sign in their vehicle. After all, they’re the ones reading it!

You can also choose free PDFs to download and print your choice of cell phone sign to install. Help the Department of Transportation make the road safer!

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