2024 Facts for Drivers PDF

Interestingly, even though most people understand the risks of driving while distracted, they seldom act on their own concerns. In a study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it was noted that 71% of those surveyed believe it is not acceptable to talk on a handheld cell phone while dr...

Interestingly, even though most people understand the risks of driving while distracted, they seldom act on their own concerns. In a study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it was noted that 71% of those surveyed believe it is not acceptable to talk on a handheld cell phone while driving, and 95% believe texting while driving is just as, or more, dangerous, and yet 67% of the respondents admitted to using a cell phone while driving and 21% admitted to sending or reading text messages. That seems to coincide with the results of a study that found 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. Currently, there are 49 states and the District of Columbia that prohibit text messaging and 27 states and the District of Columbia that prohibit hand-held cell phone use for all drivers. Even with increased attention at the state level, NHTSA reported in 2019 that 2,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Addressing this issue on a national scale has been a priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 2011, FMCSA and PHMSA issued a final rule that restricts the use of hand-held mobile tele- phones by interstate CMV drivers and intrastate hazmat drivers. This rule took effect on January 3, 2012. The rule prohibits CMV drivers from holding, dialing, or reaching “in an unacceptable and umsafe manner” for a hand-held cellular phone. ‘This includes all push-to- talk functions. Hands-free use of a cellular phone is allowed. ‘The ban does not prohibit or restrict the use of CB radios, GPS, or fleet management systems. A driver is allowed to initiate, answer, or terminate a call by touching a single button on a mobile phone or on a headset. This action should not require the driver to take their eyes off the road. The driver is not allowed to reach for a phone in the passenger seat, under the driver's seat, or in the sleeper berth, for example. The hands-free device must be within close proximity to the driver's person. Since all states were required to adopt the federal regulation, the rule is applicable to intrastate non-hazmat CMY drivers as well. Under the final rule, CMV drivers who are convicted of a hand-held cell phone 49