Executive Order prohibits federal employees from TWD

An Executive Order went into effect Dec. 30 that directs 4.5 million federal employees to not engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles. It also prohibits federal employees from text messaging when using electronic equipment supplied by the government or while driving privately owned vehicles on official government business. According to a White House press release, the order encourages federal contractors and others doing business with the government to adopt and enforce their own polices banning texting while driving on the job.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on Dec. 30 released a public service announcement on a newly created distracted driving Website. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research shows that nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than 500,000 were injured. On any given day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a handheld cell phone.