PHMSA Proposes Ban on Cell Phone Use
Posted on Thu, May 05, 2011 @ 08:10 AM
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
PHMSA has proposed a restriction on the use of all cell phones by drivers operating a vehicle containing hazardous materials. If the materials either require placarding or contain any quantity of a select agent or toxin then the driver of the vehicle would be subject to the restrictions if the proposal goes through. This proposal comes at the heels of another similar proposal made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA in mid December. Each of these bans prohibits drivers from reaching for, holding or dialing a cell phone. These actions all have comparable, negative effects on drivers.
The main problem with cell phone use is that it takes your eyes and your focus off the road. This is especially unsafe when the driver of the vehicle is transporting hazardous materials. Not only are the other cars and drivers at stake, but if the material makes its way into the environment other serious effects could come into play. The FMCSA said that distracted drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 out of every six seconds. A huge cause of distracted driving is cell phone use whether it’s texting, dialing, or even calling using a hands-free device. All types of cell phone use decrease the driver’s ability to properly control the vehicle. A study that came from Virginia Tech found that truckers were 23 times more likely to cause an accident while texting. Also, drivers are 3 times more likely to be in an accident while reaching for an object such as a phone. Drivers are 6 times more likely to be in a crash when dialing on a hand held cell phone. While operating such a dangerous vehicle these numbers are too high to be brushed aside.
Texting restrictions were adopted by FMCSA in November of last year. The restrictions have already been incorporated into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and applied to CMV motor carriers and drivers in interstate commerce. PHMSA and FMCSA representatives voiced concern that changes to the FMCSRs regarding distracted driving would not apply to motor carriers and drivers that transport covered hazardous materials in intrastate commerce. PHMSA says it developed the latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to expand the limits to intrastate hazmat commerce. An estimated 1,490 intrastate motor carriers could be affected by the rulemaking.