On a cell phone? Research shows that drivers talking on cell phones have slower reaction times than drivers with a .08 blood alcohol content.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and is the perfect time for motor carriers to reinforce to their drivers the dangers of distracted driving,
along with the rules and regulations enforced by the FMCSA.
According to these regulations, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers are prohibited from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating their vehicles. Violations can result in fines and/or disqualification and will impact a motor carrier’s and/or driver’s Safety Management System (SMS) results.
Texting is defined as manually entering alphanumeric text into, or reading text from, an electronic device. The rules also prohibit CMV drivers from reaching for or holding a mobile phone to conduct voice communication, as well as dialing by pressing more than a single button. CMV drivers may only use a hands-free phone that is located within close proximity. In short, the rule prohibits unsafely reaching for a device, holding a mobile phone, or pressing multiple buttons.
The rules impose sanctions for driver offenses, including civil penalties up to $2,750 and disqualification for multiple offenses. Motor carriers are also prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers to text or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving and may face civil penalties up to $11,000. Violations will also impact SMS results.
This month, reinforce to your drivers the dangers of distracted driving.
It’s very easy to comply with the rules:
No REACHING. No HOLDING. No DIALING. No TEXTING. No READING.
Banning Distracted Driving: An Employer's Guide to Protect Employees and Reduce Liability
- Implement a clear policy stating that employees are not required to answer calls while driving, including calls from their employer.
- Encourage employees to plan trips with scheduled stops so they can safely return calls and emails.
- Establish company policies that eliminate the need for employees to text while driving to fulfill job duties.
- Remove any incentives that may encourage employees to text or talk while operating a vehicle.
- Communicate state regulations and associated fines to employees.
- Encourage employees to sign an anti-distracted driving pledge.
- Designate company vehicles as “distraction-free zones.”
Obtain a free cell phone policy kit from the National Safety Council:
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Compensation/WC/safety/paths/resources/Documents/Distracted%20Driving/Introduction.pdf
For additional information on distracted driving, visit:
http://safety.nsc.org/ddam
https://www.enddd.org/
Our highways are a very dangerous place, and all of us must do our part to keep them as safe as possible.
All 50 states have “Move Over” laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on our nation’s roads. Yet many drivers remain unaware of these laws, and traffic-related incidents continue to be the number one cause of death among on-duty law enforcement officers.
Together with law enforcement partners and state highway safety offices, NHTSA is working to increase awareness of these lifesaving “Move Over” laws and highlight the need to protect public safety professionals who risk their lives to protect motorists.
By working with local organizations and raising public awareness through earned and social media, you can help make a difference and save lives.
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/first-responder-safety/move-over
2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20–24)
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. For more information, visit:
National Work Zone Awareness Week – Home
International Roadcheck 2026 (May 12–14)
International Roadcheck is an annual three-day event during which CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement, and educational initiatives focused on motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety.
It is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks and motorcoaches inspected every minute across North America during the 72-hour period.
Since its inception in 1988, more than 1.8 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck. The event also provides an opportunity to educate the industry and the public about the importance of safe CMV operations and roadside inspections.
CVSA sponsors International Roadcheck with participation from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.
