![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
Semi-Dangerous? Truckers group says texting while driving is safe, necessary
Research shows that a driver can be as much as 23 times more likely to get into an accident if he or she is texting while driving. New legislation in Washington aims to ban texting while driving by forcing states to adopt the federal mandate or risk losing federal highway greenbacks. One group is fighting the legislation, and it's not teen drivers or multimedia addicts, it's our nation's truck drivers. Truckers, the guys who drive around in 18 wheelers which take 2-3 times as much road to stop when compared to the typical car, often have touch screen computers on the dashboard and keyboards on their laps. They use the multimedia tech to map routes and converse with dispatch, saving minutes (and money) in the hyper-competitive shipping business.
Drivers told The New York Times that they're all but forced to communicate with such computers, as pulling off the road to send a message can cost their companies $1.50 per minute, and the driver risks having his or her pay docked. Clayton Boyce, spokesman for the American Trucking Associations, called the bill "overkill," going so far as to say that banning such devices "won't improve safety." But safety advocates counter that the measure would effectively be underkill, and they have some stats to back up their argument: Heavy trucking deaths in the U.S. have steadily climbed over the past decade, as big rigs now account for 12% of all highway fatalities (4,808 deaths in 2007) versus 11% (4,777) in 1997 – in spite of the fact that passenger cars and trucks are now far safer than they have ever been.
Americans like low prices, and fast, efficient shipping helps keep costs in check. And at the same time, we like to be safe and sound as well, and truckers looking down at a keyboard while driving a 40-ton truck 60 mph just a few feet from strikes us as hazardous to our nation's health. Should truckers be able to text and use computers while driving? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section after the jump.
[Source: The New York Times | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Steve Lopez 2:04PM (9/29/2009)
Absolutey Not!! Pull over and text, finish and get to driving.
I appreciate their hard work, but, lets get real.
Reply
TigerMil 2:28PM (9/29/2009)
Texting while driving should be grounds for summary execution.
In essence, it's attempted assault with intent to kill. Accidents that occur as a result of texting should be grounds for lifetime ban on driving. There is no cure...the recidivism rate for texting while driving is 100%. If you've done it once, you'll do it again.
Truckers and other texters should keep that in mind while driving in states with right to carry laws....
James 2:32PM (9/29/2009)
Absolutely not.
No "multitask" driving...(and that includes texting). Period!
Polly Prissy Pants 2:49PM (9/29/2009)
You gotta take this with a grain of salt. This is also a group that includes members who think it's OK to drive 28 hours a day cranked up on meth.
thritter 3:28PM (9/29/2009)
I once rented a former telephone-company van from Rent-A-Wreck.
On the dashboard was a sign that read: "Now your job is driving."
Words to live by...
jv2k 3:44PM (9/29/2009)
I can see quick jots into a gps while on a straight empty highway making sense, but truckers flat out using laptops while driving? That's disgusting. Again I understand this is a boring, long, and difficult job, but when you are driving a vehicle that can turn everything else on the road into a pancake you need to pay attention.
Text to send messages!? WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO TALKING!? You don't need to text to say anything. Use your cell or use the freaken radio!
The worst thing is you know that they are probably watching movies and crap while driving too.
apexjr 5:33PM (9/29/2009)
Personally I think in major citys when the roads are congested that they and everyone else should not be able to text. But on the open roads miles from anything but a handful of cars, it's probably fairly safe.
I would like some studies to be conducted to find out if it can be safe at all to use a phone or text while driving. If there are appropriate ways to use the devices, we should be teaching how to use them while driving instead of banning them.
There isn't much difference in reaching down to tune your radio over and over while going through a new town, then texting. Both can be done more safe one way versus another. Do we ban tuning the station on your radio next?
Sea Urchin 4:26PM (9/29/2009)
Truckers have a VERY strong lobbying group, they can get a lot done. I would not be surprised at all if they would get this law.
Paul 1:53AM (9/30/2009)
Welcome to the utter insanity of a lobbyist.
Texting while driving in an 18-wheeler is grounds for loss of license for a year, I say. If you cause an accident while texting, mandatory prison. It's that serious of an issue and I'm seriously f-ing angry to hear that their lobby is fighting such a common sense rule.
naggs 9:57PM (9/29/2009)
as someone who once worked delivery, i empathize. it is completly necessary to communicate in real time. the tech does not exist to do that job while complying with the law.
from 11% to 12% over 15 years, thats supposed to be a trend?
the average trucker on a busy day, distraced and overworked is far less lkly to cause an accident than the average driver on a good day.
CaptPugwash 9:45AM (9/30/2009)
"it is completly necessary to communicate in real time. the tech does not exist to do that job while complying with the law."
A) what a load on nonsense, we have been delivering item with trucks and cars since the things were invented 100 or so years ago. We have only had texting in the US comparatively recently, and mobile internet is even newer.
B) Try using a cell phone with hand free, I do believe that is real time and legal.
IMHO we need to clamp down on truck driver anyway, I'm fed up with have 60 tonnes of Semi so close to the rear of my car that I can see the color of the drivers eyes. A semi takes much, much further to stop that any other class of vehicle does so they need to be even more alert and leave bigger gaps than any other road users. But they are often the worse and we have there lobbying group saying texting is ok for truck drivers.
sw 2:03PM (9/29/2009)
No, absolutely not. Given a chance between paying $0.25 and getting run over by a transport truck, I'd gladly pay $0.25
Reply
Jrejre 2:04PM (9/29/2009)
"Should truckers be able to text and use computers while driving?"
No
Reply
audi_arena 2:04PM (9/29/2009)
I'm suprized that these companies have decided to pay attorney's fees and settlements for the accidents, rather than try to prevent them in the first place.
...It doesn't seem right.
Reply
Rich 2:06PM (9/29/2009)
Simple solution: subsidize rail transportation.
No more weaving lumbering jackasses.
Reply
Rich 2:07PM (9/29/2009)
By the way, I used to have a lot of respect for truckers.
Pokey 2:58PM (9/29/2009)
yeah, great idea, let's put even more people out of work.
Rich 4:25PM (9/29/2009)
Pardon? We're talking about making the road safer. Criminals don't deserve jobs.
Rocketboy 4:28PM (9/29/2009)
"subsidize rail transportation"
If something is worth doing, it's worth doing without a subsidy.
JZeke 4:39PM (9/29/2009)
no successful rail system exists globally without subsidies. American aversion to subsidized public works is what consistently kills rail growth here.
Ironically, its our love of low, low prices that is subsidized. Cheap goods, cheap food are all made possible by "invisible" subsidies made to agribusiness, trade imbalances etc.