by Billy Woolsey, President
Midwest Compliance Inc.


“Dad , watch out for that idiot !” is how my 15 year old son in the passenger seat brought my attention to the mini-van veering into my lane. A quick glance revealed a driver with her head angled down towards the screen of a cell phone. Had this lady been operating a commercial motor vehicle, she would be subject to a $2750 ticket for herself and an $11,000 fine for her company. With a severity weight of 10 for this violation, their CSA scores would be hit as well. It is also a disqualifying offense for CDL holders.

Currently there are around 30 states that do ban texting while driving for everyone and another 8 who ban texting for novice (under age 18) drivers. Of course, since October 2010 , all CDL operators are banned by federal law from the practice. CMV drivers are, and certainly should be, held to a higher standard. The licensing requirements, drug and alcohol testing, oversight by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies all place an added burden on commercial drivers as opposed to what the motoring public has. Yet, statistics invariably point to approximately 70 percent of accidents involving large trucks and cars being caused by ….. cars.

Each day I get a summary from FMCSA that details all fatal (or significant) crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. Many times the investigation report indicates that a “four wheeler” lost control, crossed the center line or blew through a stoplight and was subsequently struck by the commercial vehicle. No doubt much of this may be attributed to weather conditions. I saw a report a few weeks ago that there had been over 900 fatal accidents this year caused by snow or ice on the roadways. I live in Minnesota and know about snow and ice! It does make you question if a deeper investigation would ultimately show someone had been texting, reading emails or dialing a number when they “lost control in icy conditions”.

Personally, I’m very conservative and don’t like the “nanny state” approach to government regulations. I understand that seat belts absolutely save lives and the first thing I (and my passengers) do is buckle in. I don’t like it being mandatory though – it’s my responsibility and my safety at risk. Does anyone understand optional helmet use for motorcyclists under this concept? But, as the old adage goes – My right to swing my fist through the air ends at the tip of YOUR nose. Distracted driving doesn’t limit the risk to the person staring at a screen while steering a vehicle. Every time a driver decides to take their eyes off the road and read or compose a text message, it places your life and the lives of your loved ones in danger needlessly.

This should be a bipartisan issue. I encourage everyone to address this with their legislators.