Editorial: Ban a good move, will save lives

A final federal cell phone ban for commercial vehicle drivers went into effect Tuesday and should save countless lives in the process.  

An announcement on the issue was made Nov. 23 and focuses its efforts on truck drivers and bus drivers.

"This final rule represents a giant leap for safety," said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "It's just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake."

Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses, according to a FMCSA press release.

Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000.

Ultimately, about 4 million commercial drivers would be affected by the rule.

This final rule is a step in the right direction toward saving lives. No phone call is important enough that it would trump someone’s life.

In fact, more than 5,470 people died and half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2009. These types of deaths accounted for 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In September 2010, FMCSA additionally issued a regulation banning text messaging while operating a commercial truck or bus. A companion regulation for hazardous materials drivers followed this year.  

Stafford County Sun editorials represent the opinion of the managing editor. Other columns, letters and cartoons on his page express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the Stafford County Sun.