FleetWatch

Handheld Cell Phone Ban Soon
The new regulation banning this use of handheld cell phones should be taking place very soon.  The ban will take effect 30 days after it’s published in the National Federal Register.  The publication was slated for December 2, 2011.
The new regulation provides for fines, to the drivers, up to $2,750 for the use of handheld cell phones by commercial motor vehicle drivers.  Drivers could also face revocation of their CDL’s for repeat offenses.  These regulations apply to large truck drivers, drivers of buses, and the drivers all hazardous materials.
Carriers will also be responsible for the actions of their drivers.  By allowing drivers to use handheld cell phones carriers could face fines up to $11,000 under the new rule.  Training procedures and company policies should be reviewed now to insure compliance with the new rule.
The American Trucking Associations president, Bill Graves said.” Studies have shown that actions like texting and dialing a phone can greatly increase crash risk, said taking steps to curb these behaviors old great promise to improve highway safety.”
The FMCSA summary of the Final rule is.  “FMCSA and PHMSA are amending the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to restrict the use of hand-held mobile telephones by drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This rulemaking will improve safety on the Nation’s highways by reducing the prevalence of distracted driving-related crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving drivers of CMVs. The Agencies also amend their regulations to implement new driver disqualification sanctions for drivers of CMVs who fail to comply with this Federal restriction and new driver disqualification sanctions for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who have multiple convictions for violating a State or local law or ordinance on motor vehicle traffic control that restricts the use of hand-held mobile telephones. Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers of CMVs to use hand-held mobile telephones.”
Call Fleet Management Strategies , 866-586-1632, to discuss how your company can train your drivers and personnel to meet the requirements of this new rules.  Or drop us an e-mail, compliance@fleetstrategies.com.