St. Louis, MO – In December 2011 – The new DOT regulation (effective January 3, 2012), prohibiting drivers of commercial motor vehicles from using hand-held mobile telephones while operating vehicles, is a great step forward to enhance driver safety. The Hands Free Company is the expert in customising solutions to help companies stay in compliance.
Earlier this month, Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, announced a final rule specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held mobile telephones while operating their commercial vehicles. The joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the latest action by the U.S. Department of Transportation to end distracted driving.
In regards to employer liability, carriers are responsible for the actions of their employees and will generally be held accountable (with a maximum penalty of $11,000) for handheld violations that take place when drivers are performing company business or acting on the company’s behalf. Simply having a written company policy is not deemed a method of enforcement, and that if a violation occurs, the employer is still accountable.
“The Hands Free Company can help companies stay in compliance by installing various vehicle technology solutions that allow drivers to talk without using hand-held mobile devices” said Hands Free Director Mike Lampe. “We understand the importance of maintaining communication while driving during business hours and our solutions offer a safer way to keep the communication lines open. We hope this new regulation will bring awareness to the dangers of using hand-held devices while driving and provide companies and drivers a safer solution.”
The Hands Free Company, a national leader for fleet communications, driver safety and vehicle installations, helps transportation companies conform to this new policy and minimize the liability. Handsfree kits, fixed vehicle (cab) phones, and technology to shut down mobile devices while driving are a few solutions offered by The Hands Free Company. For a complete list of products and services, use the menu on the left.
For more information about The Hands Free Company US, contact one of our experts at sales@handsfree.us.com or 888-999-3135.
