The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Friday, Feb. 25, announced that it is prohibiting texting on electronic devices by drivers during the operation of a motor vehicle containing a quantity of hazardous materials requiring placarding or any quantity of a select agent or toxin listed in the Department of Health and Human Services “Select Agents and Toxins” regulations.
Additionally, in accordance with requirements adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Sept. 27, 2010, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers of covered motor vehicles to engage in texting while driving. PHMSA says this final ruling will reduce the prevalence of distracted driving-related crashes, fatalities and injuries involving drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
For access to the final rule and to read background documents, go to http://www.regulations.gov; the docket number is PHMSA–2010–0221.
