Obama Executive Order bans federal employees from texting while driving
President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order(EO) directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles; when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving; or while driving privately owned vehicles when they are on official government business. The order also encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own policies banning texting while driving on the job. “Texting” or “Text Messaging,” according to the EO, means reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, emailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication.
Said Obama: “With nearly 3 million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving. Recent deadly crashes involving drivers distracted by text messaging while behind the wheel highlight a growing danger on our roads. Text messaging causes drivers to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel, endangering both themselves and others. Every day, federal employees drive government-owned, government-leased, or government-rented vehicles (collectively, GOV) or privately-owned vehicles (POV) on official Government business, and some federal employees use government-supplied electronic devices to text or e-mail while driving. A federal government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for State and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers. Extending this policy to cover federal contractors is designed to promote economy and efficiency in federal procurement. federal contractors and contractor employees who refrain from the unsafe practice of text messaging while driving in connection with government business are less likely to experience disruptions to their operations that would adversely impact federal procurement.”
According to the EO: “All agencies of the executive branch are directed to take appropriate action within the scope of their existing programs to further the policies of this order…[t]his includes, but is not limited to, considering new rules and programs, and reevaluating existing programs to prohibit text messaging while driving, and conducting education, awareness, and other outreach for federal employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving. These initiatives should encourage voluntary compliance with the agency's text messaging policy while off duty.”
While the EO does not specify any penalties for violations, it directs federal agencies to implement the order within 90 days. The Transportation Department DOT), in consultation with the General Services Administration and the Office of Personnel Management, is to provide leadership and guidance to heads of executive branch agencies ti assist with compliance, according to the order.
The EO further states that agency heads may exempt from the requirements of this order, in whole or in part, certain employees, devices, or vehicles in their respective agencies that are engaged in or used for protective, law enforcement, or national security responsibilities or on the basis of other emergency conditions.
Department of Transportation. “This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable. It shows that the federal government is leading by example,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in an October 1 statement “I fully expect that all 58,000 DOT employees and contractors will take this order seriously. Let’s show our friends and families that we can resist the temptation to answer the phone, send a message, or allow some other distraction to interfere with our driving.”
Secretary LaHood pledged to work with Congress to ensure that the issue of distracted driving is appropriately addressed. He also announced a number of immediate actions that DOT is taking to combat distracted driving, including the Department’s plan to create three separate rulemakings that would consider:
- Making permanent restrictions on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in rail operations.
- Banning text messaging altogether, and restrict the use of cell phones by truck and interstate bus operators.
- Disqualifying school bus drivers convicted of texting while driving, from maintaining their commercial driver’s licenses.
The Secretary also called on state and local governments to work with DOT to reduce fatalities and crashes by making distracted driving part of their state highway plans, and by continuing to pass state and local laws against distracted driving in all types of vehicles, especially school buses. He asked states and local governments to back up public awareness campaigns with high-visibility enforcement actions. And he said the Department is establishing an on-line clearinghouse on the risks of distracted driving, aimed especially at young people, which will give them information to help encourage good decisions.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
(Submitted Oct. 5, 2009)
<p>Obama Executive Order bans federal employees from texting while driving President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order(EO) directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government owned vehicles when using electronic equipment supplied by the government while</p>
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