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Texting Ban on Truck and Bus Drivers

U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately.

“We applaud the U.S. Department of Transportation for taking this measure to prevent senseless accidents involving texting while driving,” stated Attorney Eric Hageman. “Because trucks are heavier, harder to maneuver and more difficult to slow and stop than passenger vehicles, it is important that we continue to hold truck drivers to the highest possible standards.” Our attorneys have represented people seriously injured by drivers who were texting or talking on a cell phone at the time of the accident. We have seen a rise in these cases.

The texting ban on truck and bus drivers is the result of the Department's interpretation of standing rules. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

In addition to the federally-imposed penalty, truck and bus drivers, the companies they work for and others can be held liable for injuries and death caused by texting while driving. Contact our law firm about holding drivers accountable and compensation for accident victims and their families.

"Our regulations will help prevent unsafe activity within the cab,” said Anne Ferro, Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “We want to make it crystal clear to operators and their employers that texting while driving is the type of unsafe activity that these regulations are intended to prohibit." 

FMCSA research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting.  At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road.  Drivers who text while driving are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than non-distracted drivers.

To contact an injury lawyer MN about a lawsuit against a truck driver, bus driver, trucking company or bus company, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation.

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Pritzker Olsen attorneys have appeared on national television and have been quoted by national publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press and Lawyers USA. Attorneys Fred Pritzker, Elliot Olsen and Eric Hageman have been named "Super Lawyers" by Law and Politics magazine (2008 and previous years). Attorney Fred Pritzker is also listed in the current edition (2008) of The Best Lawyers in America. To contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit the firm's free consultation form.

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