Distracted Drivers

Today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it is enacting regulations which prohibit commercial truck and bus drivers from texting or using any handheld device, such as a mobile phone, while driving. The regulations are aimed at decreasing accidents caused by distracted drivers. The regulations apply to interstate truck drivers and commercial bus or van drivers who carry more than eight passengers. Violation of this regulation can result in a fine of up to $2,750.

You can read the FMCSA's press release at http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/01/commercial-truck-and-bus-drivers-prohibited-from-texting-while-driving.html#more.

Hours of Service

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is currently holding listening sessions to solicit comments and information on potential hours-of-service regulations. The listening sessions are intended to provide the FMCSA with additional information that it should consider as it prepares to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking. The sessions are open to all interested persons. A session will take place on January 22, 2010 at the Dallas Forth Worth Airport in Dallas, Texas and on January 25, 2010 at the LAX Doubletree Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Both sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.

Comments can also be submitted via the internet at http://www.regulations.gov. The docket ID is FMCSA-2004-19608.

Frigid Temps Lead Gov. Perdue to Halt HOS limits for some drivers

http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/perdue_declares_emergency_over_cold