This Oct 2008 Train Collision is attributed to texting.

With every little advancement of technology come unforeseen problems associated with them.  Cell phone technology, and the new super-cell phone mini computers, have led to a plague of text or phone related accidents.

Whether it was the October 2008 head-on collision of a Metrolink Commuter Train with a Union Pacific freight train, whose operator was texting and ran a stop light, to the many hundreds and thousands of yearly vehicle accidents associated to distracted driving, it was time for the Department of Transportation to put it’s foot down.

Many states already have passed legislation banning cell phone usage while driving, unless it’s with a hands-free set, but now there is a national ban of texting for commercial truck drivers.

This safety measure will carry a possible criminal or civil charge, and fines up to $2,750.

Visit the DOT’s new website Distraction.gov for more information.  There you can find State Law, Statistics, and any other number of information resources to inform you to the dangers and hazards of distracted driving.