The Linden, New Jersey-based company has posted the reminders on its training fleets in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware where it has training facilities in the hopes of encouraging all drivers in those states not to text while driving.
Twenty-five tractor trailer trucks used to train commercial drivers on New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware roads will carry the reminder, visible for hundreds of thousands of miles to other drivers during the course of the year. The hope is they will have a visible, active impact on drivers every day.
The owners of Smith & Solomon have long been a proactive voice on this issue and have taken part in the U.S. Department of Transportation summit on the dangers of text messaging and other distractions behind the wheel.
John Diab, president of Smith & Solomon said he believes all forms of electronic communications including cell phones, ipod/mp3 players, GPS devices, laptops and radios need to be addressed.
Diab has suggested the implementation of credible studies that would establish the full impact of distraction caused while using two-way communication devices, followed by consideration of legislation, possibly against public approval, to ban the use of these devices in moving vehicles--including hands free devices. “Studies already show there is no difference because it’s not the physical act of holding a phone that’s a problem, it’s the focus of the mind,” he pointed out.
”Drunk driving was once overlooked but has now become culturally taboo. People don’t do it as much, because of the education of the public and the shift in culture.” Diab emphasized that cell phone usage is only going to increase as younger people are getting their licenses, citing they are the population that uses these devices the most.
