I am thrilled to report the news that is beginning to filter out of Washington. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, is expected to announce today that the DoT is going to ban all text messaging by commercial drivers. As one who has blogged about the dangers of distracted driving for years, I am thrilled to hear that this is going to happen.

To whom will this apply? To all “commercial drivers.” Based on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, this means anyone driving a truck with a gross vehicle weight over 10,001 pounds, anyone who drives a vehicle designed to transport more than 8 passengers for compensation, anyone driving a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver) that does not transport passengers for compensation, and anyone who transports hazardous materials.

Secretary LaHood has made this sort of driver safety a prioity since taking over as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. The new regulations will impose substantial fines against violators – including civil and criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

This new regulation is necessary because research on behalf of the Federal Motor Carrier Sazfety Administration found that drivers who text message take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting.

From the state perspective, I have continued to consult with legislators and there is movement in Pennsylvania on a total text messaging while driving. Of course, I’d like to see a broader based ban on unsafe cell phone use, but since I recognize that positive safety legislation is a process, I’ll certainly take this for now.

This is a great example of your state and federal government taking affirmative steps to make the roads safer for you and your family. I applaud all of this progress.