States get help with distracted driving

DOT’s sample bill to aid in legislative bans

The U.S. Department of Transportation in late February unveiled sample legislation to be used as a starting point for states crafting new laws to prohibit texting while driving, the latest step in its campaign against distracted driving. The sample state law, prepared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a cross-section of safety and industry organizations, would authorize law enforcement officers to stop a vehicle and issue a citation to drivers who are texting while driving.

The sample state law is patterned on the Executive Order issued by President Obama on Oct. 1, 2009, directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment. Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on Dec. 30, 2009.

Currently, 20 states and the District of Columbia have texting laws covering all drivers. In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by state legislatures, and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010.

Roehl, Erb take top TCA safety awards

Marshfield, Wis.-based Roehl Transport last month took home its second consecutive grand prize in the Truckload Carriers Association’s 34th annual National Fleet Safety Awards. Roehl was the winner in the large carrier division – carriers with total annual mileage of 25 million or more miles. Erb International of New Hamburg, Ontario, was the grand prize winner in the small carrier division. The awards were presented March 2 at TCA’s annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., and both carriers will be recognized again during TCA’s Safety & Security Division annual meeting May 16-18 in Kansas City, Mo.

Accepting the grand prizes for TCA’s National Fleet Safety Awards were, from left, Tom Witt, president-Roehl flatbed & specialized, Roehl Transport; and Wendell Erb, general manager, Erb International.

TCA recognized Roehl for its corporate culture that includes a company driving system called “The Roehl Way,” which the carrier calls “protective driving” rather than “defensive driving.” Drivers receive extensive training that includes two 10- to 13-day segments and a third six-week period. Fleet managers receive training through a “call coaching” program that helps them have effective conversations with drivers about safety.