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U.S. proposes cellphone ban for truck drivers

I have no problem banning holding phone to ear but headsets should be allowed. I always wear a head set. My communication with my dispatch is done by phone. If I get a call I press a button on my headset and I answer no touching the phone.

What is next will it be illegal to use my CB also?
 
Kal'Stang said:
In the long run most definately for the simple fact that there are far more cars on the road than trucks. But on a one to one (one car vs one truck for one instance) basis no. And that is what most people will focus on. What happens over a year rarely is the focus of individuals.
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Mile for mile, truck drivers are involved in fewer accidents than civilian drivers in cars and pick-ups.
 
ptif219 said:
I have no problem banning holding phone to ear but headsets should be allowed. I always wear a head set. My communication with my dispatch is done by phone. If I get a call I press a button on my headset and I answer no touching the phone.

What is next will it be illegal to use my CB also?
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That's what I was wondering.

I don't personally have any CB usage experiance, but I was under the impression you had to hold a mic in your hand...isn't that similar to holding a cellphone to your ear?

If one is "distracting", the other probably is as well...
 
The Mark said:
That's what I was wondering.

I don't personally have any CB usage experiance, but I was under the impression you had to hold a mic in your hand...isn't that similar to holding a cellphone to your ear?

If one is "distracting", the other probably is as well...
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I'm an oilfield truck driver and haul for BP and Shell quite a bit. BP's and Shell's policy, is that any contract truck hauling their equipment is prohibited from using any two-way communication device, while driving. The only exception being a permit load that requires an escort, because state law requires that the driver and the escort must be in communication at all times.
 
apdst said:
Mile for mile, truck drivers are involved in fewer accidents than civilian drivers in cars and pick-ups.
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I'm not disputing that. I'm just trying to explain the likely reason that truckers are targeted more often than someone that drives a car. It's all about perception.
 
Kal'Stang said:
I'm not disputing that. I'm just trying to explain the likely reason that truckers are targeted more often than someone that drives a car. It's all about perception.
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Truck drivers are targetted, because they can be targetted. Heavy government regulation is the reason that the government can violate our constitutional rights.
 
apdst said:
Truck drivers are targetted, because they can be targetted. Heavy government regulation is the reason that the government can violate our constitutional rights.
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Yet 2009 had the best safety record ever for trucks
 
apdst said:
Truck drivers are targetted, because they can be targetted. Heavy government regulation is the reason that the government can violate our constitutional rights.
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Umm...Someone that drives a car can be targeted JUST as easily as someone that drives a truck legal wise. But a car will not have as big an effect on someone as a truck will.

As far as violating your constitutional rights...like which ones? The gun one? Has there ever been a case brought up about it? If not then bring one up to the courts for it. See what SCOTUS's take is on it.

However banning cell phone use is not a violation of any right.
 
Kal'Stang said:
Umm...Someone that drives a car can be targeted JUST as easily as someone that drives a truck legal wise. But a car will not have as big an effect on someone as a truck will.
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Do private operators have to get a CDL, pay heavy road use tax, buy an IFTA sticker, buy a cab card, keep a log book, be submitted to random roadside inspections? The answer is, no. So, you're wrong.

As far as violating your constitutional rights...like which ones? The gun one? Has there ever been a case brought up about it? If not then bring one up to the courts for it. See what SCOTUS's take is on it.
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I looked in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Handbook, to post the actual regulation, but I can't find it. I googled the subject and didn't find it. Actually, I found evidence that it's not a violation anymore, depending on state and local laws. So, I' thinking that it's no longer illegal to keep a gun in a commercial vehicle. I hope so; that would be a good thing.
 
apdst said:
Do private operators have to get a CDL, pay heavy road use tax, buy an IFTA sticker, buy a cab card, keep a log book, be submitted to random roadside inspections? The answer is, no. So, you're wrong.
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I said that they can be. Not that they were.

apdst said:
I looked in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Handbook, to post the actual regulation, but I can't find it. I googled the subject and didn't find it. Actually, I found evidence that it's not a violation anymore, depending on state and local laws. So, I' thinking that it's no longer illegal to keep a gun in a commercial vehicle. I hope so; that would be a good thing.
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Actually now that you mention it I think I do remember something about that ban being lifted.

I think this is the law we are talking about...

Title 18 Setcion 926(a). The peacable journey law.

TITLE 18?CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

PART I?CRIMES

CHAPTER 44?FIREARMS

Sec. 926A. Interstate transportation of firearms

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or
regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person
who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting,
shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a
firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully
possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may
lawfully
possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the
firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being
transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the
passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in
the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver?s
compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked
container other than the glove compartment or console.
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askthetrucker.com
 
Aunt Spiker said:
calling - you mean :)

I know the laws (cellphone use while driving in Arkansas is already banned) - but I talk while I drive, anyway - I find it no more distracting than talking to someone in the seat next to me.
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:lamo .

You know just like when you use to take your hands of the handlebar of your bike.
 
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American said:
:lamo .

You know just like when you use to take your hands of the handlebar of your bike.
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:lol: heh, funny stuff. But not really....In order to even get my license 20 years ago I had to go through a pretty rigorous test, preform a walk around inspection that you almost have to be a mechanic to pass correctly, and do not only an on site skills test, but a road test also....

If I want to add anything like for instance doubles, I have to go back in and test again (written)...What the heck to auto drivers have to do? They pay a mere couple of hundred bucks to some shlub with a driving school, watch a few videos, do some practical driving, and take their road exam. Most of 'em don't even know how to merge on a highway correctly.

Then they are off to the derby of life....high speed, talking on their phones, reading, putting on makeup. Yeah, but truckers are the problem....pfft.


j-mac
 
Kal'Stang said:
I said that they can be. Not that they were.



Actually now that you mention it I think I do remember something about that ban being lifted.

I think this is the law we are talking about...



askthetrucker.com
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That's not the regulation i was referring to. But, it doesn't necessarily ban firearms in a commercial vehicle.
 
j-mac said:
:lol: heh, funny stuff. But not really....In order to even get my license 20 years ago I had to go through a pretty rigorous test, preform a walk around inspection that you almost have to be a mechanic to pass correctly, and do not only an on site skills test, but a road test also....

If I want to add anything like for instance doubles, I have to go back in and test again (written)...What the heck to auto drivers have to do? They pay a mere couple of hundred bucks to some shlub with a driving school, watch a few videos, do some practical driving, and take their road exam. Most of 'em don't even know how to merge on a highway correctly.

Then they are off to the derby of life....high speed, talking on their phones, reading, putting on makeup. Yeah, but truckers are the problem....pfft.


j-mac
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Well, like I stated before, I've seen some horrible truck drivers. And I've seen them recently. They think because they are big and bad, they own the road. Quite frankly, they drive with the same attitude that you have on here. I don't think truckers should be targeted, I think cell phone use by drivers (of course not by passengers) should be banned 100% nationwide. It's getting people killed. It's unnecessary. I hate gov't intrusion, but damn, people won't listen of their own free will so make it a law with a fine to violate. Just like a speed limit.
 
Kal'Stang said:
Umm...Someone that drives a car can be targeted JUST as easily as someone that drives a truck legal wise. But a car will not have as big an effect on someone as a truck will.

As far as violating your constitutional rights...like which ones? The gun one? Has there ever been a case brought up about it? If not then bring one up to the courts for it. See what SCOTUS's take is on it.

However banning cell phone use is not a violation of any right.
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Maybe you should look at CSA 2010
 
apdst said:
Do private operators have to get a CDL, pay heavy road use tax, buy an IFTA sticker, buy a cab card, keep a log book, be submitted to random roadside inspections? The answer is, no. So, you're wrong.



I looked in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Handbook, to post the actual regulation, but I can't find it. I googled the subject and didn't find it. Actually, I found evidence that it's not a violation anymore, depending on state and local laws. So, I' thinking that it's no longer illegal to keep a gun in a commercial vehicle. I hope so; that would be a good thing.
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You must abide by state laws which may mean a lock box. Many places like wal mart and ports do not allow firearms
 
j-mac said:
:lol: heh, funny stuff. But not really....In order to even get my license 20 years ago I had to go through a pretty rigorous test, preform a walk around inspection that you almost have to be a mechanic to pass correctly, and do not only an on site skills test, but a road test also....

If I want to add anything like for instance doubles, I have to go back in and test again (written)...What the heck to auto drivers have to do? They pay a mere couple of hundred bucks to some shlub with a driving school, watch a few videos, do some practical driving, and take their road exam. Most of 'em don't even know how to merge on a highway correctly.

Then they are off to the derby of life....high speed, talking on their phones, reading, putting on makeup. Yeah, but truckers are the problem....pfft.


j-mac
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Not to mention the security check for Hazmat you have to pay for
 
States and municipalities see any truck coming across their turf as a money tree.They have no qualms about picking from the tree in this economic downturn. Sad fact of life.

I will continue using my hands free regardless of the law, the same thing that I did when I carried my pistol for the last thirty years…most of it also illegally. Carryon.:2wave:
 
donc said:
States and municipalities see any truck coming across their turf as a money tree.They have no qualms about picking from the tree in this economic downturn. Sad fact of life.

I will continue using my hands free regardless of the law, the same thing that I did when I carried my pistol for the last thirty years…most of it also illegally. Carryon.:2wave:
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If it ever is made illegal and you get into a wreck and its found out that you were using a cell phone you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
 
j-mac said:
:lol: heh, funny stuff. But not really....In order to even get my license 20 years ago I had to go through a pretty rigorous test, preform a walk around inspection that you almost have to be a mechanic to pass correctly, and do not only an on site skills test, but a road test also....

If I want to add anything like for instance doubles, I have to go back in and test again (written)...What the heck to auto drivers have to do? They pay a mere couple of hundred bucks to some shlub with a driving school, watch a few videos, do some practical driving, and take their road exam. Most of 'em don't even know how to merge on a highway correctly.

Then they are off to the derby of life....high speed, talking on their phones, reading, putting on makeup. Yeah, but truckers are the problem....pfft.


j-mac
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Remember National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation when Griswald drives his station wagon under the log truck? :lamo
 
dontworrybehappy said:
Well, like I stated before, I've seen some horrible truck drivers. And I've seen them recently. They think because they are big and bad, they own the road. Quite frankly, they drive with the same attitude that you have on here. I don't think truckers should be targeted, I think cell phone use by drivers (of course not by passengers) should be banned 100% nationwide. It's getting people killed. It's unnecessary. I hate gov't intrusion, but damn, people won't listen of their own free will so make it a law with a fine to violate. Just like a speed limit.
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We have all seen some pretty bad truck drivers, however, you can rest assured that they don't last too long. Most companies that I know of have pretty rigorous safety depts. and are extremely good at weeding them out of the system. For example, my company does a few things directed by safety that we don't necessarily like but must put up with. Like installing GreenRoads Tech in every truck. You can see what that is here...GreenRoad Also they cap our speed at 62mph, which since they switched to Super Singles that is actually 60mph. Between those two things I can assure you that I rarely see anything other than the right lane.

Secondly, you seem to think I am projecting myself as some sort of "badass" or something. I am certainly not. I have been on these roads for going on 20 years, and will be the first to tell you I do not know everything there is to know about driving, or that I am some gift to mankind with my skill. Am I safe? yes. Am I punctual, and a reliable driver? you bet. Am I a 'badass'? No. I just want to deliver my load, get paid, and get home to my family on one piece without some four wheeler jerk that has no respect for trucks causing me to loose my life on the highways because he thinks I am going too slow for his liking.

Let me inquire if you had a good Christmas? I hope you did. Because while you were relaxing, and watching the football on TV with family, and enjoying the holiday, I bid my family good bye, and drove through the Appalachians to Ohio and back, so that you could probably eat some doughnuts today. And now I am off to Orlando with milk for your cereal tomorrow. You owe those of us that do this for a living, the thanks and respect that we may just have a little better handle on what goes on out there, than your own 30 mile driving a day, back and forth to work self.

I do things in the safest manner I can, and don't appreciate the government telling me that I am reduced to the lowest denominator.....Enjoy the milk, I deliver tonight, and rest assured that while I must be away from my family on holidays like this one, I will indeed use my headset, and talk to them.


j-mac
 
American said:
Remember National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation when Griswald drives his station wagon under the log truck? :lamo
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lol. Yeah that was impossible, but classic.


j-mac
 
j-mac said:
We have all seen some pretty bad truck drivers, however, you can rest assured that they don't last too long. Most companies that I know of have pretty rigorous safety depts. and are extremely good at weeding them out of the system. For example, my company does a few things directed by safety that we don't necessarily like but must put up with. Like installing GreenRoads Tech in every truck. You can see what that is here...GreenRoad Also they cap our speed at 62mph, which since they switched to Super Singles that is actually 60mph. Between those two things I can assure you that I rarely see anything other than the right lane.

Secondly, you seem to think I am projecting myself as some sort of "badass" or something. I am certainly not. I have been on these roads for going on 20 years, and will be the first to tell you I do not know everything there is to know about driving, or that I am some gift to mankind with my skill. Am I safe? yes. Am I punctual, and a reliable driver? you bet. Am I a 'badass'? No. I just want to deliver my load, get paid, and get home to my family on one piece without some four wheeler jerk that has no respect for trucks causing me to loose my life on the highways because he thinks I am going too slow for his liking.

Let me inquire if you had a good Christmas? I hope you did. Because while you were relaxing, and watching the football on TV with family, and enjoying the holiday, I bid my family good bye, and drove through the Appalachians to Ohio and back, so that you could probably eat some doughnuts today. And now I am off to Orlando with milk for your cereal tomorrow. You owe those of us that do this for a living, the thanks and respect that we may just have a little better handle on what goes on out there, than your own 30 mile driving a day, back and forth to work self.

I do things in the safest manner I can, and don't appreciate the government telling me that I am reduced to the lowest denominator.....Enjoy the milk, I deliver tonight, and rest assured that while I must be away from my family on holidays like this one, I will indeed use my headset, and talk to them.


j-mac
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How are them super singles on snow and ice?
 
Kal'Stang said:
If it ever is made illegal and you get into a wreck and its found out that you were using a cell phone you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
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That's already the case.
 
donc said:
How are them super singles on snow and ice?
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They aren't too bad when they are newer, but as they wear, they can get slick. And once you break traction with those, you're done.


I definately prefer duals.


j-mac
 
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