Motor-vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers happen every day on our Los Angeles roads and highways. Taking one's eyes off of the road for a brief moment to answer a cellphone call or to send a text message can have serious consequences. But distracted driving isn't only a problem amongst the average commuter in Los Angeles.

Those who are paid to safely transport others from one destination to another have also caused serious accidents after being distracted while driving. In 2008, one train operator caused a fatal accident after he was texting while operating the commuter train. The train collided head-on with another train in Los Angeles, killing 25 people in the incident.

After recognizing the serious danger distracted drivers are putting their passengers in, state regulators have finally voted to ban train drivers from using cellphones while on the job.

Last week's decision made by the California Public Utilities Commission will affect rail transit personnel who work for regional lines such as LA Metro and the Bay Area Rapid Transit District. Those who work for national lines in California are already banned by federal regulators from using their cellphones. Other devices such as pagers, satellite phones and other electronic equipment are also banned from being used while one is driving.

Many states have already passed similar laws, and in some states, all drivers are prohibited from using their phones while behind the wheel. These regulations are often difficult to enforce, but the California Public Utilities Commission also reported last week that cameras will be installed in train operator cabs to monitor workers' compliance with the new ban.

Source: msnbc.com, "California bans cellphone use by train drivers," Oct. 7, 2011