Danger lurks; Controversy grows over instant messaging while driving.

Byline: Scott J. Croteau

WORCESTER - As people chatted about public transportation drivers text messaging, Lisa Dupont, a mother of four, made a quick statement while waiting at a bus stop.

"There's a big difference if you are driving with yourself and if you are responsible for other people's lives," the 44-year-old city resident said.

Text messaging while driving is a water cooler topic right now, as MBTA officials handle the aftermath of a subway driver causing a major crash last week while text messaging. Meanwhile, a Clinton school bus driver was fired this week for text messaging while transporting students.

Many people waiting outside the Main Street Worcester Regional Transit Authority bus stop yesterday said no one, no matter what they're driving, should be hitting keys on a phone while driving. Some said, however, that if a person knows how to do it right, it isn't a problem.

Legislation is pending to outlaw text messaging while driving in Massachusetts.

John F. Carney, general manager for RTA Transit Services, said his organization immediately addressed the issue this week. RTA policy says drivers can carry their cell phones because of an archaic radio system and other issues, but cannot use them while a bus or van is moving. Language on text messaging was added this week.

"For safety reasons, as well as some business necessities, we allow our operators to carry their cell phones," Mr. Carney said. "We have strict policies of when they can use those cell phones. They have to be stationary, they have to pull the bus over and they have to notify the dispatcher."

Violation of the rule will result in a five- to 10-day suspension for the first offense and termination for the second.

RTA drivers have commercial driver's licenses and could lose those as well.

The MBTA subway driver didn't need a commercial driver's license.

David Rizzuti, 30, of Worcester believes texting while driving should be illegal. Police spokesman Sgt. Kerry F. Hazelhurst agrees.

The sergeant said people need to pay attention while driving, and even talking on a cell phone is a distraction that can lead to accidents.

"Clearly it's a safety hazard. Anybody that's driving while texting no doubt sooner or later is going to hit a pedestrian, hit another car, property damage. The bottom line is: Texting while driving is no good."

Lisa Dupont, 44, of Worcester, mother of four, said: "If you are responsible for other people's lives you shouldn't be doing it. You should not be texting."

Zachary Bailey, 20, of Worcester, disagreed. "I am aware of the buttons and stuff. I'm pretty sure if you can text and drive at the same time, it is like smoking and driving."

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/DAN GOULD

CUTLINE: (1) Sgt. Kerry F. Hazelhurst; (2) General Manager John F. Carney discusses RTA policies on cell phone use. (3) Zachary Bailey; (4) David Rizzuti