NY1
Updated 01/29/2010 02:57 PM
Cab Drivers Face Cell Phone Crackdown
By: Vivian Lee
A series of new penalties take effect today to crackdown on taxi drivers who talk on cell phones.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission’s new rules prohibit taxi and livery cab drivers from using phones or any electronic devices while driving – even if they are using a hands-free device.
Even just wearing a Bluetooth device, in or near a driver's ear, is now be a violation.
Some cab drivers are furious, saying their long shifts require mobile communication, sometimes even to get the job done.
“Lots of new drivers, they don't know how to get to a place, so they need to get directions,” said one driver.
“That's crazy,” said another. “We spend 12 hours in here.”
Many passengers, meanwhile, say they are thrilled.
“You're on the job. We don't pick up our phone in the office, and just chat with people,” said a passenger.
“It's very dangerous, especially in Manhattan,” concurred another. “They don't seem to pay attention at all on that Bluetooth. It makes me a little nervous, too.”
Still others say they're fine with a chatty cabbie.
“I think a Bluetooth is okay, because you can focus while you're driving, and you can maneuver,” said a third.
According to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there has been no significant reduction in the number of car crashes after hand-held bans were introduced in New York, Connecticut, California, and the District of Columbia. The study examined insurance claims involving texting or talking while driving.
Despite the study’s finding, there are taxi drivers who do not mind the new law, which is the first in the country for cab drivers, just so their passengers feel more at ease.
“I agree with the TLC,” said a driver. “So I'm happy.”
"If that's what it takes to save life, it's alright,” said another. “It’s no problem at all."
"If you are talking on the phone, it means you lose your concentration. It happens a lot,” said another.
“People get into accidents."
According to the TLC Commissioner, the regulations are necessary because many drivers ignored the previous rules.
“Fifty percent of the summons that we issue when we go undercover, when you look at all the bill of rights that we are trying to enforce in the cabs, are cell phones,” said Commissioner Matthew Daus. “It's clearly a problem. You don't have to have your head in the sand. You go talk to passengers. It's the number one issue if you talk to passengers.
Daus also cites federal statistics showing that upwards of 500,000 accidents and thousands of fatalities a year across this country are attributed to some kind of mobile device use while driving.
Drivers will face a $200 penalty and three penalty points on their license for each of the first and second violations. After the second strike, they will also be required to take a distracted-driver training course. Those caught three times within 15 months will have their taxi license revoked.
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