Over the past year, the transportation industry has seen many developments focused on improving safety for drivers trucking loads. And apparently, more developments are in the works.

Already, truckers are no longer allowed to text while driving, which qualifies as a misdemeanor if you are caught. The move was the government�s attempt to make roads safer for everyone driving on them. Considering a trucker�s chance of collision increases 23 percent when they text while driving (according to a 2009 Virginia Tech Transportation Institute report), criminalizing the act could help save lives.

In a new initiative announced this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation is now seeking to ban all cell phone usage by truckers while operating their vehicles. If the legislation passes, transportation professionals will no longer be allowed to reach for, hold or use their cell phone while their truck is in motion.

If trucking companies and drivers fail to comply with the law, they would be faced with substantial fines (the fine for texting while driving, alone, is $2750). Repeated offenses would result in the loss of their operating license.

The proposed ban specifically addresses hand-held devices, not hands free. And, if a trucker were to pull to the side of the road to make a call, they would be free to use their phones.

At Getloaded, we understand how crucial on-the-road communication is for drivers moving freight. Sometimes, your ability to make that call � or not � can mean the difference of a paycheck. We also believe driver safety is always an important industry topic. While there�s no released date yet for when a decision on the ruling will be made, we�ll be sure to keep you updated as details emerge.

What do you think of the proposed ban?

Would eliminating cell phone use while driving affect your ability to move freight?

Should the ban extend to all drivers on the road, not just transportation professionals?