Earlier this year, we wrote about the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA’s) new ban on cell phone use for bus drivers and train operators. In August 2009, the CTA changed its disciplinary procedures to prohibit bus drivers and train operators from using cell phones while driving. The new rules were clear that bus drivers may not even have a cell phone in their pocket while they are operating a bus. If a bus driver wants to carry a cell phone at all then it must be securely packed away in a bag. The new rules prohibited train operators from carrying cell phones at all – they cannot even have them in their belongings.
Of course, any change in policy is only as good as the enforcement of that policy. We are beginning to see the CTA enforce the new policy. The Chicago Tribune reports that in the past four months, 10 bus drivers and 1 train operator have been fired for noncompliance with the new cell phone policy. 13 additional bus drivers are currently on leave without pay while the cell phone allegations against them are being investigated. Before the new rules took effect in August, no bus drivers and only 1 train operator were suspended for cell phone violations during 2009.
Has the new law had its intended effect? Is it protecting the people of Illinois from distracted CTA drivers or is it too soon to tell?
It is our hope that the new rules are going to be effective in decreasing bus and train accidents in our state. However, we know that bus and train accidents happen for a variety of reasons – including driver distraction. If you have been hurt in an Illinois bus or train accident then we encourage you to contact the experienced Illinois personal injury attorneysof Dolan Law Offices today for a free consultation.