Last year, the San Antonio City Council unanimously voted in favor of banning the use of hand-held devices while driving. The ordinance goes into effect January 1, 2015. Drivers are not allowed to talk, text, view email and pictures, or use smartphone apps while driving, even if the driver is at a stoplight or stuck in traffic.
Hands-free devices are exempt from the ban. Drivers are allowed to use their smartphone for GPS navigation so long as it is affixed to their vehicle. Emergency calls would also be exempt.
The ordinance does not apply to a person who is:
- on private property
- legally parked
- operating an authorized emergency vehicle while acting in an official capacity
- licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device
- or preventing injury to a person or property
A violation will cost a driver $200.
What You Should Do
The time is now to start changing these behaviors with your employees and drivers of company owned vehicles.
Download this sample distracted driving policy to assist you in complying with the new laws and communicating with your employees.
As always, should you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Catto & Catto's Risk Management Services department.
[Image credit: indyplanets]