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New Year Brings Federal Commercial Driver Cell Phone Ban

Posted on Jan 09, 2012

The New Year brings changes for Tennessee commercial drivers. In an effort to reduce distracted driving accidents, a federal ban on hand-held cell phone use by commercial truckers and bus drivers took effect January 3, 2012.

All commercial drivers are now prohibited from using any hand-held mobile telephone while driving. The federal civil penalties include up to $2,750 for each offense. Drivers who commit more than one offense may have their licenses revoked. In addition, trucking companies allowing cell phone use may be fined up to $11,000.

United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the ban on November 23, 2011 saying, “When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly. I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial truckers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.”

The new rule is a joint effort by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). While large trucking companies like UPS, Covenant Transport, Wal-Mart, Peter Pan and Greyhound have already banned the use of hand-held cell phones, this new measure will include all commercial drivers nationwide.

If the ban is successful, Tennessee road accidents will hopefully be reduced, making us all safer on the roadways.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tennessee distracted driving accident due to cell phone use, there is help from your Memphis truck accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer. We offer a free consultation for all victims of serious accidents. Call us today toll free at 888-470-9143.

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Bailey & Greer represents people with trucking accident claims in Tennessee and Mississippi, including Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, Lakeland, and all of Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties. We have also handled cases in Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri.