Truckers Texting
Topic 3482 | Page 1
While texting and driving a truck is a big no no but the only reason it's garnering the attention that it has because of the law specifically aimed at truck drivers that was put into law by the fmcsa. While it's still a problem though not as big as it used to be they should do a story on people driving cars and texting. Way bigger problem.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
Fm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
While it's still a problem though not as big as it used to be they should do a story on people driving cars and texting. Way bigger problem
Yeah, but the consequences of a car wreck aren't as exciting to the general public as a truck wreck.
I see probably 20% or more of 4 wheelers texting or messing with their phones. But I am amazed at the number of truck drivers that have their hands on their phones while driving. A $2500 fine and looking for a new job (if you could get one) should be enough, let alone the liability if you should have an accident while handling a phone. Then again, there is the "it isn't going to happen to me" syndrome. Watched one the other day pass me playing with his phone and I just kicked off the cruise control to give myself a lot more room should his case of stupids become a crash.
I see 1-2 out of every 5 3 wheelers in the hammer lane flying by me not even paying attention to where they're going because facebook is more important to them than keeping control of their car going 70+, VERY aggravating. Kinda makes one want to blow their air horn just to get their attention OFF of the phone...
4 wheelers. thats what i get for typing in the dark ...
I see 1-2 out of every 5 3 wheelers in the hammer lane flying by me not even paying attention to where they're going because facebook is more important to them than keeping control of their car going 70+, VERY aggravating. Kinda makes one want to blow their air horn just to get their attention OFF of the phone...
Funny thing with that news segment is that as much as they were showing truckers texting/talking on their cell(s), no one commented on how '4 wheelers' kept cutting right in front of the trucks. It was horrifying to watch, probably coz I know I did it and realize it was dangerous and very stupid.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Some accidents caused by distraction in a driver. Texting while driving is one major cause of accidents in the road. There are some states that have texting while driving laws but the DOT thrown $550,000 toward researching whether such regulations have an impact.
That's one expensive ticket to "the Policeman's Ball" and there is no dancing.
Dave
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
I see probably 20% or more of 4 wheelers texting or messing with their phones. But I am amazed at the number of truck drivers that have their hands on their phones while driving. A $2500 fine and looking for a new job (if you could get one) should be enough, let alone the liability if you should have an accident while handling a phone. Then again, there is the "it isn't going to happen to me" syndrome. Watched one the other day pass me playing with his phone and I just kicked off the cruise control to give myself a lot more room should his case of stupids become a crash.
This just boggles the mind. I was always so attached to my phone ...until CDL school. Call me NEW but when I'm driving a tractor-trailer, I forget that cell phones even exist. I thought the job involved staying safe. If you're bored on the road, it's because you're not doing the thousand-things-at-once that you're supposed to be doing while operating a CMV. Texting and driving? No.. flippin' ... way... I am cured, man. That phone is not even attached to my clothing when I'm driving. I want nothing to do with it, until I'm off the road, truck engine off, brakes set. Otherwise, I don't want anyone texting or calling me. If it's that important, call 911 first but I'm not answering till later.
-mountain girl
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
CMV:
Commercial Motor Vehicle
A CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business, is involved in interstate commerce, and may fit any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
I see 1-2 out of every 5 3 wheelers in the hammer lane flying by me not even paying attention to where they're going
Hey, if we can have 57 states ala O'Bummer, why not 53 wheelers??
Jopa
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Hi, just FYI, tomorrow on the 5pm eastern time news (ABC channel), they have a segment on "truckers and texting". Thought it might be of interest. I will ask for time off work early to come home and see what its all about. Have a good evening y'all.