WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government is
seeking to prohibit truck drivers from sending text messages on
their mobile phones while transporting hazardous materials, the
Transportation Department announced on Tuesday.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has launched a crusade
to end what he calls "distracted driving," which includes using
cell phones while behind the wheel of a car. In 2009, 5,500
people died and half a million were injured in car crashes
involving a distracted driver, according to his agency.
The department will propose a rule to prohibit commercial
drivers from texting while transporting hazardous materials.
The department is also restricting train operators from using
cell phones and other electronic devices while on the job.
"We are taking action on a number of fronts to address the
epidemic of distracted driving in America," LaHood said in a
statement.
(Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by James Dalgleish)