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Truckers Fight to Keep Computers in Cabs

As ban on texting while driving gains grounds, drivers want an exception

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 28, 2009 10:54 AM CDT
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(Newser) – With Congress considering legislation to ban text messaging while driving, the trucking industry is fighting to keep its in-cab computers. Truckers use the machines to get directions and talk to dispatchers without having to pull over, saving them precious time on long hauls. The industry says the devices are less distracting than a BlackBerry or iPhone, and should be exempt from the law.

“We think that’s overkill,” an industry spokesman tells the New York Times. Truck computers show “maybe two or four or six lines” of text, “and they’re not reading the screens every second.” But safety advocates say the devices, which include a dashboard monitor and a keyboard kept in the trucker’s lap, are plenty distracting, and even more dangerous given the size of the vehicle.

Warren Hunter, who has been trucking for three years, uses a GPS system hooked up to his computer to plan his delivery route May 29, 2000.
Warren Hunter, who has been trucking for three years, uses a GPS system hooked up to his computer to plan his delivery route May 29, 2000.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
muleskinner
Sep 29, 2009 12:51 PM CDT
jesus, you people are nuts--its always the truckers fault--im a trucker and i dont use my computer in my lap like you text in your lap---its for faxes, directions and pickups---and for every truck accident you see, you can sure be assured it was one of you trying to get a head of the truck so you could make it two seconds to your destination--ive driven for 30 years or better and never had an accident!
oldgoat
Sep 29, 2009 7:07 AM CDT
Trouble is when a trucker makes a mistake he usually walks away and the others die. It doesn't matter what you use it for, the fact that you are using it is still a distraction from your job. Yes some will try to get ahead of a truck, but I've also seen the trucks speeding and making lane changes without allowing room. They know that people have to move when a truck moves. Sorry to tell you this, but yes it can be a truckers fault. I've known a couple and they make no bones about fudging the books to make the time work out.
thejoint00
Sep 29, 2009 4:41 AM CDT
READING AND WRITING are dangerous to do while driving. it is no different that the words are on a screen rather than paper.
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driving • truckers • texting • driver distraction • trucking

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