Federal Leadership On Reducing Text Messaging While Driving
Oct 6, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Oct 1, 2009
Published on: Oct 6, 2009
Oct 6, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Oct 1, 2009
Published on: Oct 6, 2009
Summary
Stops federal workers from texting while driving on the job to make roads safer and set a good example for everyone.
What problem does this solve?
Driving while texting is a growing danger that causes deadly crashes. This order makes it illegal for federal workers to text and drive on the job, which helps save lives and sets a safety example for others.
What does this order do?
Ban on texting for federal employees
Forbids federal employees from text messaging when driving a government vehicle or a personal vehicle for official business.
Ban on using government devices for texting
Forbids federal employees from using government-supplied electronic equipment to text message while driving.
Reference
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Text messaging while driving by government contractors, subcontractors, and recip
Encourages contractors to adopt similar policies
Requires federal agencies to encourage government contractors and grant recipients to create and enforce their own policies that ban texting while driving on the job.
Exemptions for emergency personnel
Allows agency heads to exclude employees involved in protective, law enforcement, or national security duties from the ban.
Broad definition of 'texting' and 'driving'
Defines 'texting' to include e-mailing and other data communication, and 'driving' to include being temporarily stopped in traffic.
Who does this affect?
- Federal employees
- Federal contractors
What is the real world impact?
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Sets a public safety example
Uses the large federal workforce to show leadership on a national safety issue, encouraging states, companies, and individuals to adopt similar safe driving habits.
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Improves contractor efficiency
Encourages contractors to ban texting while driving to reduce accidents and work disruptions, which helps the government get its work done more smoothly and cheaply.
When does this start?
This order sets multiple deadlines for government agencies, starting on October 1, 2009.
Agency implementation deadline
Within 90 days of October 1, 2009, all executive branch agencies must take steps to put this order into effect, including creating disciplinary actions for non-compliance.