Washington » An announcement Tuesday by the Transportation Department that it is imposing an immediate ban on texting by truckers and bus drivers drew a call from three senators for the Obama administration to go further by banning all texting by motorists.
"This is an important safety step, and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Kay Hagan, D-N.C., urged the administration to support their bill to compel states to ban texting while driving or risk losing 25 percent of their federal highway funds.
Schumer said LaHood's announcement is a "giant step forward" but not enough to keep roads safe.
"We can't settle for keeping our roads half-safe," Schumer said. "We need to stop all motorists, not just truck and bus drivers, from texting behind the wheel."
Schumer said the administration can ban texting by drivers of commercial vehicles because they are federally regulated. Ordinary motorists are subject only to state laws.
Starting now » The prohibition, which applies to drivers of interstate buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds, is effective immediately, the Transportation Department said.
Hefty fine » Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750, the department said.
Some already on board » Nineteen states, including Utah, and the District of Columbia already prohibit all drivers from texting behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Source » The Associated Press
