A bunch of useless crap
Published on January 15, 2012 By MasonM In Blogging

Well, the burden of yet another new regulation has been placed upon the trucking industry. No hand-held cell phone use at all. One must use a hands-free device and must use voice dial or one button speed dial. Pressing more than one button, or failing to use a hands-free device will result in a fine to the driver between $1,000 - $2,750 and a fine to the driver's company of $11,000 (and most likely costing that driver his job).

In order to be certain to comply with this new law, and to make my life easier, I purchased an Android phone so that I can just use voice dialing with my bluetooth headset. It's money I would have rather used otherwise, but I can't afford the stiff fines that come with getting caught violating this new law.

I do like the voice dialing feature. Very handy. Calling a person in our office requires dialing the number and then a four digit extension. I programmed entries into my phone's phone book so that I can tell it to call a certain person and it will dial the number, pause, and then dial their extension. No need to press any buttons at all.

And, well, I do have to admit I am finding the Android phone to be very useful so I guess it isn't all bad.


Comments
on Jan 15, 2012

Some of us "older" peeps are forced into the new experiences and sometimes we find we really do like them.  Hope this continues to be "good" for you.  Is this nation wide, any kind of trucking?  I had not seen anything about it but that is nothing new.

 

j

on Jan 15, 2012

notronaj
Some of us "older" peeps are forced into the new experiences and sometimes we find we really do like them.  Hope this continues to be "good" for you.  Is this nation wide, any kind of trucking?  I had not seen anything about it but that is nothing new.

 

j

 

Yep, it is a federal law and applies in all states and to all commercial vehicles. Technically it even applies to delivery vans and taxis, but I am betting enforcement will be directly solely at big trucks, as usual.

on Jan 16, 2012

I just broke down and got my first smart phone - an Android.  So far so good.  The first problem however, was the sales guy did not sell me the right plan (I wanted the WiFi Hotspot feature).  That was solved, now I am fighting the exchange issue.  But at least the tech support was helpful.

Good luck with your phone.  It costs - but then it is a new play toy too!

on Jan 17, 2012

Dr Guy
I just broke down and got my first smart phone - an Android.  So far so good.  The first problem however, was the sales guy did not sell me the right plan (I wanted the WiFi Hotspot feature).  That was solved, now I am fighting the exchange issue.  But at least the tech support was helpful.

Good luck with your phone.  It costs - but then it is a new play toy too!

 

Thanks. They can be handy. I went with an Android and the Straight Talk plan from Walmart. A flat $45 for unlimited everything.  For the WiFi hotspot feature I have a T-Moblie prepaid mobile hotspot device.

on Jan 25, 2012

Where are you trucking now Mason?  Hope your weather is cooperating on your roads.  Clear and chilly in mid-NM but the sun does help!  Stay safe and out of ditches!   

on Jan 27, 2012

I was down in Texas but am now in Iowa. I am on my way to Wisconsin once again. It's been a long week.

on Jan 29, 2012

It sounds like it.   Too tired to tell us your tales too.  Hopefully you can get some rest and have a good next week.   Keep on truckin....

on Jan 29, 2012

notronaj
It sounds like it.   Too tired to tell us your tales too.  Hopefully you can get some rest and have a good next week.   Keep on truckin....

Actually I just haven't had much net access. About to post a new entry now. Thanks.