Innovative Solutions to Effectively Enforce Anti-texting Rules on Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers

Distracted driving could have severe repercussions leading to loss of life, loss of property, and expensive lawsuits. While there can be many reasons for the driver to get distracted, research shows that the probability of accidents from texting/web-surfing while driving is an order of magnitude higher. Although federal law prohibits texting by operators of commercial vehicles and has strict penalties, its enforcement due to difficulty of detection has been a shortcoming.

We propose a solution by which such a violation can be detected and recorded. Our technical proposal for detection requires a combination of an on-board unit (OBU) and a smartphone. Furthermore, we also outline a larger concept of operations spanning insurance agencies, law enforcement, the trucking companies, and the drivers. We describe the role that each of these agencies can play in reducing the overall violations and the feedback mechanisms involved.