Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


14

Federal Workers Banned From Texting While Driving

Executive order is part of larger push against distracted driving

Share

(Newser) – Federal employees are now forbidden from sending text messages while driving on government business or operating government vehicles. The new executive order, signed by President Obama last night, also encourages executive agencies to adopt texting bans for contractors, reports ABC. "To put it plainly, distracted driving is a menace to society," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood at a summit on the issue.

LaHood called the problem an "epidemic," and a highway safety group says drivers who use handheld devices are four times as likely to crash. Congress, meanwhile, is considering a bill that would withhold 25% of federal highway funds from states that allow texting while driving. Washington, DC, and 18 states have already enacted bans.

Towtruck in a pool.
Towtruck in a pool.   (AP Photo/Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, Stephen Wallace)
Texting while driving is dangerous business.
Texting while driving is dangerous business.   (Getty Images)
Actors make a video highlighting the dangers of sending text messages while driving in Tredegar, Wales.
Actors make a video highlighting the dangers of sending text messages while driving in Tredegar, Wales.   (AP Photo/Gwent Police)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
11.19.09
Sarah Palin Deserves Some More Attention
14 comments
VIEWING:
 
godawgs
Oct 1, 09 3:07 PM CDT
really it took a mandate to tell someone that you shouldn't be doing this... Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
IN RESPONSE:
BlahBlahBlah
Oct 1, 09 3:22 PM CDT
Unfortunately yes, just the other day some moron almost side swiped my truck because he was texting. The guy got close enough for me to see that his phone was in his hand and he was just plugging away on the keypad. People are too frickin dumb to realize what they are doing. To all of those who may text or take calls while driving, KNOCK IT OFF. If you don’t value your vehicle, life, time, or money at least respect those of us who do. There is a really easy solution if you just have to get that text or call back, PULL OVER!
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
IN RESPONSE:
pwnage
Oct 1, 09 3:23 PM CDT
Put it this way - tell a teenager that you're 4 times more likely to crash while texting. I bet their likely next thought is "OMG like I'm so not going to crash anyway, what are they talking about?"
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
IN RESPONSE:
Forderon
Oct 1, 09 3:52 PM CDT
I say let's just ban ALL texting at ANY time.
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
IN RESPONSE:
Jayster999
Oct 1, 09 3:58 PM CDT
Talking fine. Texting? Hell no. Bad enough there are people driving around putting their makeup on or play a DVD on a little LCD screen. C'mon, people, if you want to dink around then ride a bus--otherwise, put away the distractions and drive.
Vote up! Vote down!
+3

View all 14 comments »

LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

40 Stories

Teens Cop to Texting and Driving—But Say Dad's Worse

No age limit for bad behavior behind wheel

Nov 16, 09 5:57 PM CST
(Newser) - One-third of 16- and 17-year-olds say they have written text messages while behind the wheel. Despite that, young drivers are actually more responsible than many adults: 48% of respondents aged 12 to 17 say they’ve been in the car with a driver who was texting. One boy said his... More »

MORE ABOUT:
driving • GPS • texting • teenage drivers • driver distraction • reckless driving • bad example

 Why Grandma 
 Texts Better 
 Than You 

Careers that revolved around shorthand give grannies fast fingers

Nov 4, 09 11:42 AM CST
(Newser) - Text messaging opened up a new—and better—method of communication for Matthew DeBord and his mother (gone were the days of “rambling, nonlinear” phone calls), but he was shocked when he realized his 70-year-old mom wasn’t just good at texting: “Mom texted like someone who’s... More »

MORE ABOUT:
BlackBerry • text message • texting • trend

Only Fines Will Get Drivers
Off the Phone: Experts

Conference tells Transportation Department to get tough

Oct 5, 09 8:23 AM CDT
(Newser) - If the Department of Transportation wants to curb distracted driving, it’ll have to do more than ask nicely, concluded experts at last week’s conference on the issue. Previous efforts to curb drunk driving and promote seat belt safety have proven that drivers don’t respond without the threat... More »

MORE ABOUT:
driving • Department of Transportation • driver distraction • reckless driving • Ray LaHood • cellphones • public safety

40 Stories


Politics  •  Technology  •  US 
TwitterFollow @NewserPolitics on Twitter

 
Barack Obama • driving • text message • texting • driver distraction • reckless driving • Ray LaHood

from our news partners