U.S. proposes cell phone ban for truck, bus drivers

[The Straight Story]

U.S. proposes cell phone ban for truck, bus drivers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government on Friday proposed prohibiting commercial truck and bus drivers from using cell phones while behind the wheel.

The Transportation Department rule would affect approximately 4 million drivers, who are already banned by the government from texting while working.

The proposal is the latest move in Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's stepped-up campaign against distracted driving in which he has questioned cellphone use in passenger cars and "hands free" communications technology.

"Every time a commercial truck or bus driver takes his or her eyes off the road to use a cellphone, even for a few seconds, the driver places everyone around them at risk," LaHood said in a statement.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40724780/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/

[MindPilot]

1. They going to ban CB & other two-way radios too? n/t

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

2. I almost got hit by an 18-wheeler

The driver was talking on the cell phone while turning left in front of me. He did not see me, but, fortunately, I did see him. There is no way someone can make a sharp turn in one of those things with only one hand, and he almost ran over the lawn on the other corner.

[customerserviceguy]

3. Anyplace where you have to make sharp turns

of 90 degrees or less, I can see having this rule, and that pretty much applies to any bus or truck in an urban or suburban area. But with long straight stretches of interstate highway, where you find a few busses and a lot of trucks, I can't see it. In those places, it would be virtually unenforceable, anyway.

[Edweird]

4. The professional drivers aren't the problem - but they are the easiest target.