Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Two pilot projects measured the effect of increased law enforcement coupled with high-profile public education campaigns. In Syracuse, N.Y., because of high-visibility enforcement, both handheld cell phone use and texting behind the wheel declined by one-third. In Hartford, Conn., there was a 57 percent drop in handheld use and texting behind the wheel dropped by nearly three-quarters.

With the addition, 33 states, the District of Columbia and Guam have now banned text messaging by all drivers. Eight states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all hand-held cell phone use while driving.

Toronto Transit Commission management is firing operators for using their cell phones even when they aren’t driving, claims the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 president. Agency officials say they are just notifying employees about cell phone usage rules.

While handheld cell use is the most commonly identified risky distraction, eating and/or drinking while driving is not far behind. In fact, drivers involved in one or more collisions are 1.8 times more likely to regularly eat or drink while driving.