U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a final rule specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. The joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the latest action by the U.S. Department of Transportation to end distracted driving.

"When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel."

The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver's commercial driver's license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000. Approximately four million commercial drivers would be affected by this final rule.

"This final rule represents a giant leap for safety," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "It's just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake."

While driver distraction studies have produced mixed results, FMCSA research shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps beyond what is required for using a hands-free mobile phone, including searching and reaching for the phone. Commercial drivers reaching for an object, such as a cell phone, are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Dialing a hand-held cell phone makes it six times more likely that commercial drivers will be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Read more at FMCSA

HQ98 has many different types of Bluetooth Headsets that will work will all cell phones that are Bluetooth equiped.  We also carry several wired models that will work Nextel iDen phone in both the cellular mode and direct connect.  Please take a moment to check these four hand picked products that will help make your drive a safer one.

  JABRA DRIVE 100-49000001-02 Bluetooth In-Car Speakerphone

The Jabra Drive is designed for you to drive with caution and avoid losing calls when you are on the road. It enables you to make hands-free calls. It connects wirelessly to your phone and needs no installation. simply clip it onto the visor and get started. The intuitive controls complement the unique user friendliness with a large easily accessible answer/end button, volume button and a dedicated on/off switch. It’s as easy to operate as pulling down the visor.

Only $54.98

  
PRYMEBLU BTH-100 Wireless HF Bluetooth Headset

The PrymeBLU  BTH-100 features noise cancelling and long talk-times. The Dual Sync Multipoint Technology will allow you to Connect to two devices simultaneously. With a simply Touch-button volume control and an over-the-Head design with built in comfort fitting Earpad. This headset is balanced and lightweight, perfect for the office, car, worksite, jobsite... just about anywhere. Digital enhancements have been made to the chip mono coder to reduce wind noise.

ONLY $59.98

Rocket Science Stealth 3-wire Barrel or Ring PTT Surveillance Kit for NEXTEL iDen Cellular Phones

The Stealth is an in-ear acoustic tube style earset in a three wire design. Perfect for safety requirements as this unit only covers one ear which allows easy hands free operation. The Stealth is perfect for Hands-Free communication with a Omni-directional microphone with clothing clip. The push-to-talk button is conveniently located on a separate wire, making communication simple and unobtrusive with either the Ring Finger PTT control or the Barrel Button.

ONLY $54.98

Rocket Science Voyager Lightweight Headset with Boom Mic for NEXTEL iDen Cellular Phones

The Voyager is an Over-the-head, lightweight and rugged headset. It has a durable swivel boom microphone. It provides crisp, clear audio in most environments, and its adjustable headband makes it comfortable to wear even for extended shifts.In-line PTT button will allow you to answer your cell phone remotely with a push of the button. Perfect for safety requirements as this unit only covers one ear which allows easy hands free operation.

ONLY $44.98