Commercial Drivers Could Face Serious Penalty With New Ban

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Intro:	The Missouri Highway Patrol will enforce a new federal ban for commercial drivers.
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Wrap: The new federal ban will restrict all commercial drivers from using cell phones while driving.

Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull says drivers who are caught breaking this law will face heavy fines.

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Description: "Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties up to 2,750 dollars for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle for multiple offenses."

Although enforcement of the new law doesn't begin until January, CEO of Missouri Trucking Association Tom Crawford says most companies are already prepared for this ban.

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Description: "For the most part, trucking companies have had a hands free policy in place for some time."

Hull says last year twenty one fatal accidents were caused by cell phone use in Missouri.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Stacey Kafka.

Intro:	The Missouri Highway Patrol plans to enforce a new federal ban on distracted driving.
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Wrap: The federal ban restricts commercial drivers from using a hand held cell phone.

Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull says this violation alone will be means for law enforcement to get involved.

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Description: "So it could be enforced, it's a primary law. If we see someone talking on their cell phone that's in a commercial vehicle, they can be stopped for that violation."

Administrator of Motor Carrier Investigations for the Missouri Department of Transportation Charles Gohring says cell phone use is extremely dangerous for drivers.

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Description: "The odds of being involved in a crash increased by about 23% when using things like a cell phone, reaching for, doing those dialing motions and texting."

Although the department does not have roadside enforcement, the department educates drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Stacey Kafka.