Robert J. Edwards - Comments

I think what you are doing is good for the trucking industry as a whole. There a several things to consider: first the hours of service rules are written to help motor carriers force drivers to drive 11 hours within a 14 hour window. Stopping to make phone calls takes away from this time allowed and puts more pressure on drivers to make appointments. Next there is the issue of parking a truck to make or receive calls. There is already a shortage of parking for trucks. I think more areas like they have in Texas which are simple parking areas with dumpsters for trash are good for drivers. We just need places to pull off and park without it becoming a major operation to park a truck. Some rest areas are very tight and it stresses drivers out just parking there. I personally use hands free and hate to talk on my phone. With smart phones I can look at radar, and check weather with just a couple of touches with a finger, this is very helpful in trying to make decision ahead of time if a better route is advisable. Much like a GPS smart phones are good for traffic problems, I have a App that highlights slow moving roads and gives accident reports. I use an XM radio for traffic reports as well. These device all require a touch or a glance to operate or change the stations on the radio. I am learning how to use voice activated software on my phone that uses my bluetooth headset. I keep my phone in bracket that extends from the windshield so I don't have to handle the phone, and don't have to reach far for the phone to use the touch screen. I operate controls on a IPOD that is also in bracket device. These devices help in the absolute monotony of driving a truck and actually help me keep my attention on driving safely. I think we need to push for major enforcement of drivers following to closely, this is the real issue, not speeding, distracted driving is an issue, but in my opinion following to close, tailgating is above all the biggest factor in crashes.