JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Department of Transportation employees are now banned from texting while operating department vehicles and equipment.
The new policy that went into effect Nov. 1 also applies to texting while employees are driving their personal vehicle when performing business for MoDOT.
MoDOT Director Pete Rahn says, "we're sending a clear message that employee safety is a top priority. MoDOT has great employees, but putting themselves and the traveling public at risk from texting while driving will not be tolerated."
A Missouri state law is already in effect making it illegal for drivers 21-years-old and younger to text while behind the wheel. MoDOT's new policy takes it a step further by restricting texting while operating vehicles or large equipment.
If
MoDOT employees are caught breaking the ban, their punishment will depend on what happened during the incident and whether the employee had received prior disciplinary actions.
