While many trucking fleets and the companies that make in-cab data devices to support carriers’ operations back moves to restrict cellphone use by drivers, a number of them strongly oppose the recent National Transportation Safety Board recommendation that calls for a total ban on their use — including hands-free devices — while driving.
Arkansas Best, Interstate Van Lines, Bestway Express Inc., Estes Express, Fanelli Brothers Trucking are all on record supporting a ban on texting while driving, but not a total ban on mobile phones in CMV’s. At LoadTrek, all major fleets that we are aware of already have company policies in place banning use of cell phones while driving.
OOIDA is against any ban. “We are certainly disappointed the rule was adopted in spite of a scientific study showing this to be a non-safety issue for truckers,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer said before the rule went into effect. “It appears the issue has been generalized in such a way that all of distracted driving has been laid at the feet of the trucking industry.”
Although the U.S. Department of Transportation said in late December that it would not back the NTSB recommendation, it still could become problematic for truckers if it is adopted by states.
The use of CB radios, EOBRs and hands-free devices is exempt because they are considered one-button push devices posing no more danger than selecting a radio station or turning on the heat or air conditioning, FMCSA said. EOBRs are not considered a personal electronic device.
Successful fleets, including those that use LoadTrek, know that data and not voice is the key to running a successful operation. By minimizing voice communication, you minimize the disruption in the workday of two workers. By maximizing the use of data (such as driver messaging or automated dispatch assignments) you have an audit trail and minimize the work needed to facilitate your company’s work process.
Contact LoadTrek for more information on minimizing the use of voice communications in your fleet operations center.
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