u235

Bus and Truck drivers have a reason to be pissed, at least in my mind. They've been singled out from amongst all the drivers on the road. True, they drive more, they have bigger vehicles too, but on the other hand they're used to driving and know the routes, traffic and effect of potential weather conditions better than anyone else.

So who should get slapped with restrictions? Those who are more skilled and experienced drivers but log more time, or those who have less capabilities and cause more accidents in general?

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Transportation Department proposed on Wednesday to make permanent a ban on text-messaging by drivers of commercial trucks and buses.

The plan, which was announced on an interim basis in January by the Transportation secretary, Ray LaHood, would apply to drivers of interstate buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds.

According to some digging around I just did on Federal Highway statistics large trucks account for less than 5% of the registered vehicles on the road. If buses are less than that then a good guess for trucks and buses combined might be 7-8%. Let's be generous and bump that up to 10%. Ok great. So you've now stuck it to that 10%. Sure They can't text and drive, but what about the remaining 90%?

Frankly I would prefer to see texting banned based on the actual likelihood that someone will be texting. Under twenty-five? Only had a license for three years? Doesn't commute for a living? What about if they have an unlimited texting plan on their phone or not? These are the risk factors I would consider. Not the poor schmucks who make their living stuck in traffic behind the wheel.