Interesting new federal rule

[6wheeler 603]

Tis, the season. A new "company" memo came in my paycheck today. The company has banned cell phones and other electronic devices from company property for awhile now. Today, we got this in our paychecks. A new federal "RULE" that went into effect Nov.28,2011, prohibits the use of any hand held electronic device while operating a commercial motor vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, Any Truck/tractor and or combination thereof. Bus and smaller commercial vehicles included. The fines for such violations can be up to $2,750.00 per offense. After 3 such offenses the commercial drivers license may be revoked. As there may also be fines directed to the owners or company which employs the offending operator of said commercial vehicles up to $11,000.00 per offense, It has become necessary to ban ALL handheld electronic devices on any and all company property.This is in effect immediately. Any driver observed using such devices will be terminated. NO exceptions.... I do not mind this. I believe the feds should ban them in ALL vehicles... Pat

[AMC RULES 37,132]

Does that include your CB radio?

[AMC RULES 37,132]

http://www.pstc.ca/blog/2011/12/information-hand-held-cell-phone-ban/

[can whlvr 993]

its illegal in ontario to use ANY hand held device,its a fine of 150 dollars and probally hurts your insurance too,but i still see thousands of people texting and driving(or attempting to drive)

[6wheeler 603]

Craig, we are not allowed to have a cb radio, in these trucks. As we are local,(I am a ready mix driver) these are uneccessary for our particular operation (per the company). I don't think that is fair. Especially, for Randy's(operator) situation. Over the road drivers spend alot of time alone. Also, you can get alot of information with them, from other drivers. I suppose, technically you are right. Any distraction is just that. And, I guess I should not split hairs. I am not trying to start anything or, ruffle any feathers. But, I drive in rush hour traffic morning and night and I see alot of distracted driving;ie putting on makeup, typing on laptops, reading the paper(of all things),eating and texting and such. But, I suppose you can't change it all. So, I guess the Feds want to look at what the media perceives as the biggest threat.Big trucks. Even though, statistics show. The most significant amount of injury accidents don't even involve commercial vehicles. But, the ones that do, get the most press. JMO Pat

[baerpath 517]

Yup big bad trucks LOL

We got the notice also, Company's buying hands free bluetooth for the trucks along with realtime GPS/ electronic log.The 4x6 srceen for that isn't a distraction though I guess.

Worst thing I see is Boston drivers they drive distracted as a state of mind.

Duane

[AMC RULES 37,132]

Not ruffling my feathers either way, I'm just sayin'...at what point is big brother's nose too far in our personal lives? Enforcing current cell phone laws with tickets and fines is one thing, but jeopardizing one's livelihood for the sake of generating revenue is just crazy talk. Really people, this is what we're doing now? How is this addressing the problem?

[Don1977 604]

I can see not using a cell while driving, but being required not to have one on company property (a truck). The way things have been lately I would not want to drive around with out one. Has the company banded personal carry weapons also. I think the company has gone too far, and jeopardized the safety of it employees.

I guess not having to pay $11000 fine is more importing to the company then the safety of it's employees.

[6wheeler 603]

In answer to that question Don. Guns, Electronic devices and any use of Tobacco products are ALL now prohibited from any and all AVR property. That includes Before, During and After regular hours of operation. And thanks Craig. I agree. But even if big brother is running the show, What gives the company the right to "dictate" what I may have in my personal vehicle or chose to do on my off time? IMO, that is what they are doing with the recent tobacco ban that goes into effect Jan. 1st, 2012. Oh, well. Its their company and I guess they will do what they want.

[GlenPettit 1,716]

Here's another concern about Big Brother:

The San Diego Gas and Electric Company installed a smart meter in this mans home about 6 months ago. Now he finds out how it can be more than just measuring electricity consumption.

ALSO: Everything on eBay and PayPal are recorded and reported to the IRS if over a certain amount, I think it's $5,000 - but again, every purchase is recorded and available to Government agencies (and probably businesses). Even if you turn off "cookies" on your computer, eBay is still recorded.

[truckin88 104]

this is not 100% correct

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/13/9418504-us-calls-for-ban-on-in-car-phone-use-even-with-bluetooth

[Operator 7]

I too think the cell in hand should be banned, for ALL DRIVERS! This includes the IL state patrol driving down I-90 texting. I've seen WI patrol doing it too. I use a Blue Parrott head set in my truck and it works great. And yup our company banned the handheld units too.

Pat didn't I used to see CB "ears" on those AVR trucks?

Gun banning! Have a question on that... Sign on doors says "We ban handguns on these premises" ok so why don't they have a gun rack outside the door then? Just wundering....

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

The NTSB proposed today a ban on all cell phone and texting use while driving ALL vehicles. A full ban is coming. It's just a matter of time.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/13/us/ntsb-cell-phone-ban/index.html

[Operator 7]

NTSB can only "recommend" or "propose" a ban. But that would be great IF that goes through.

[6wheeler 603]

Randy, I haven't taken my "ears" off yet. Waitin' for "Big Nuts" to come and tell me himself. He has seen em' and not said any thing. So ,I am thinking of putting the radio back in til I am told otherwise.

[SousaKerry 501]

so let me get this strait, If I jump into the shop pickup to go to the hardware store and my cellphone is still strapped to my hip, I could get fined for just having it in the company truck??

[Rooster 191]

so let me get this strait, If I jump into the shop pickup to go to the hardware store and my cellphone is still strapped to my hip, I could get fined for just having it in the company truck??

Only if you use it.

Many Cities already have full bans on cell phone use while driving.

[6wheeler 603]

Rooster, I think you are right. As long as you are not using it, no problem. When I read the rule on the internet, it had some strange "allowances". If I understand what it says, Pickup trucks or I think, anything that doesn't require a CDL to operate are ok. Which makes no sense to me at all. Because if you were pulling a trailer with a bobcat or something relatively heavy on it. Wouldn't that be dangerous as well? And, the 2 way radios and 4"x6" realtime GPS screens in our trucks are ok too. Having to read a message from dispatch and press a button to respond is a distraction. So is having to talk to those Dumb A$$e$ on the 2 way. Its all stupid.

[otrelwood 32]

Well we all know that the goverment spells safety MONEY.

[Operator 7]

Rooster, I think you are right. As long as you are not using it, no problem. When I read the rule on the internet, it had some strange "allowances". If I understand what it says, Pickup trucks or I think, anything that doesn't require a CDL to operate are ok. Which makes no sense to me at all. Because if you were pulling a trailer with a bobcat or something relatively heavy on it. Wouldn't that be dangerous as well? And, the 2 way radios and 4"x6" realtime GPS screens in our trucks are ok too. Having to read a message from dispatch and press a button to respond is a distraction. So is having to talk to those Dumb A$$e$ on the 2 way. Its all stupid.

Pat on your GPS screen thingy , You can respond back to dispatch? On my e-log in my truck the respond system can't function if truck is moving. This new rule is for Commercial vehicles, and "hand held" phones. Ear bud!

[6wheeler 603]

Yes Randy, we can. They send a message and we press one of six buttons to respond. Usually a yes or no. But, sometimes it will say maybe or something like that. I can also send a prewritten message to them if I were to need something. I cannot type anything as we don't have a keyboard or anything like that.On a completely unrelated note, Nice facebook entry. You should put that in the protected forum. I believe that IS the true definition of a Ba!@ard... Pat

[wheelhorse656 20]

I vote for bump drafting cell phone users.