Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind

The Secretary of Transportation has just enacted a new law banning truckers and other commercial drivers from being able to text message while driving.

Texting while driving represents a huge safety hazard, which is greatly increased when the driver is behind the wheel of something as large as a tractor trailer. It has already been found that drivers are twenty times more likely to get into an accident if they’re distracted. With this new law in place, violators may be fined upwards of 2800 dollars and may face civil or criminal charges. While the law lays down a stiff penalty if someone is caught, the problem is catching them in the first place. Many times, it is difficult for police to see inside of the cab of a truck because they are so high off the ground.

Many trucking companies already prohibit any of their drivers from texting while driving due to the serious safety risk. Hopefully the addition of a firm legal penalty will dissuade those who told choose to listen to their employer.

To read the original article, please go to http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14270680?nclick_check=1