Feds banned from texting while driving

President Obama issued an executive order last week banning federal employees from texting while driving during their work days.

The order is extensive. It covers federal employees when they are using government-provided cars or cell phones, and when they are using their own phones and cars to conduct government business. The ban also includes sending emails, using instant messaging programs and obtaining navigational information while driving, all distractions that could cause accidents.

Transportation Secretary Ray H. LaHood said the order is intended to curb the deadly epidemic of distracted drivers and the car crashes the habit has been causing. DOT wasted no time in making the order stick, according to a spokeswoman: Obama's order became effective immediately, and impacts 4.5 million federal employees, including military personnel.

The question is, whether driving feds will pay attention to this ban. Who is watching them while they drive? And will they recognize that this prohibition is for their own safety?

For more on the ban on texting:
- see this New York Times article

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