Obama’s texting/driving ban takes effect
December 30, 2009 by Valerie HelmbreckPosted in: Communication, Compliance, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Travel and entertainment, cell phone, mobile technology, smartphones
An executive order that bans texting while driving for federal workers was signed in October by President Obama and took effect today.
The order means that more than three million federal workers are forbidden to text while driving government vehicles, using government-issued phones and PDAs, or even if they’re driving their own vehicles while on official business.
The big question: Will Obama’s move inspire the same sort of ban at state, local and non-government organizations?
Obama’s order does not ban phone calls while driving, and agencies can exempt employees who perform “protective, law enforcement or national security responsibilities” from following the new rule.
The order also strongly encourages federal contractors to prohibit their employees from texting while driving company vehicles.
That means: If your company does business with the feds, look for them to check on your texting/driving policies.
“I am proud that the federal government is leading by example, and encourage others to think about how they can set a safety example in their communities whether it’s through employee policies, safety awareness campaigns, or just making sure your teen driver knows the risks,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
Nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver in 2008. In an effort to cut those statistics, the government launched a new Web site, which compiles the government’s information on distracted driving.
LaHood also appears in a slick, somewhat humorous new public service announcement on this very serious topic. Visit: Distraction.gov
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Tags: ban, driving, executive order, obama, texting
December 30th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Can you help spread the word—this is a extremely economical solution to the texting while driving epidemic.
I see tons of sites talking about the problem, but I have not see any offering solutions other than banning. We know that instituting bans will have some effect, but I say let’s provide an alternative. So lets use technology to combat technology… check out this youtube video http://bit.ly/fdivoice or visit http://www.fdi-hands-free.com
Thank you!
January 5th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
The “fdi hands free” advertisement misses the point that most of the problem comes from the loss of attention to driving, not the use of hands.
The product Gregory advertises does not really solve the problem.
When you are behind the wheel of 3 tons or more of steel, drive. Do nothing else.
January 14th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I agree…texting while driving…how can you see where you are going. Now hands free talking….what is the difference you talk with passengers in your car !!!
January 15th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
One difference is that a person in the car can perceive when the driver needs to focus for a second. Even if the passenger is not that observant, he will still probably notice body language when there is a pause and wait for the conversation to resume.
I know when I am driving and coming to a decision point, like a merge or a sudden slowing of traffic ahead I sometimes even make a gesture that my passenger understands as “hold that thought a second please”. This is seldom needed when my passenger is also an experienced driver. I do it often with my child who does not yet drive so does not understand what is happening around us.
January 21st, 2010 at 3:02 am
I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for all the hard work. Sara