The American Trucking Associations strongly supports the Department of Transportation's proposal of a permanent rule to prohibit text messaging on handheld devices by interstate commercial truck and bus drivers.
"Prohibiting the use of handheld wireless devices by commercial drivers to send or receive text messages while driving is an important next step to further the actions our industry has already taken," says President and CEO Bill Graves.
Many ATA member fleets have already adopted company policies designed to reduce distractions while driving, and manufacturers of in-cab communication devices include mechanisms that "lock out" the device or system while the vehicle is in motion.
"We hope the administration will look to expand the proposed ban on texting on handheld devices while driving beyond commercial vehicle drivers," says Graves.
ATA supports states' efforts to ban texting by automobile drivers as well and will continue to work with affiliated state trucking associations and stakeholder groups to make that happen.
