NORWAY -- A new federal regulation says that commercial truck and bus drivers are not allowed to talk on cell phones unless you're using a hands-free device while driving. As it stands, operators of non-commercial vehicles are still allowed to talk on cells on the road.
It is a new law, however, many of the truck and bus companies I talked to say they already use some form of hands-free device, such as Bluetooth, allowing them to keep both hands on the wheel.
You might have seen truck and bus drivers talking on their cell phones, but you won't see it again, that is, if they don't want to pay a fine of $2,750 per offense.
“We have a no tolerance rule that if you're caught driving with your cell phone, it's automatic dismissal of your employment,” said Mark Michaud.
However, hands-free devices are allowed to be used. Some say that Bluetooth makes driving and talking a little safer.
Kay Stag says, "With the hands-free devices...There really shouldn't be a problem."
Others say there should be no talking allowed, hands-free or not.
On Facebook, Mary Walther Rogers says, "There should be no impact...You shouldn't talk on the phone and drive. Period."
Bluetooth does allow you to answer calls with just a touch to your ear. And sometimes drivers do need to keep in contact with the company.
“I've invested in a Bluetooth and this earpiece so I can be in contact with someone if they need me,” said Judy Jones.
Trucks and busses are not the only vehicles on the road. Judy Jones says that if busses must abide by this law, so should everyone.
“If they're gonna do it to the truck drivers and the bus drivers, I think they should do it to everybody else on the road, too,” Jones says.
Even though some companies rely on cell phones for business, Michaud Trucking says this won't have a negative impact.
“This won't hurt us at all,” Michaud says. “We've always tried to maintain high safety standards.”
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