FAA Chief Charged With Drunk Driving

UPDATE: FAA head Randy Babbitt has been placed on leave after his DWI arrest according to a statement released by the Department of Transportation. Deputy administrator Michael Huerta will serve as acting FAA leader

Story updated by Mike Hothi at 2:55p.m. EST…

WASHINGTON — At least he wasn’t flying a plane.

Randolph “Randy” Babbitt, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was charged with drunk driving over the weekend.

Babbitt was arrested without incident on Saturday for driving on the wrong side of the road, according to The Washington Post. Fairfax City police spotted him on the Old Lee Highway.

Babbitt was reportedly released on his own recognizance. He faces a February 2 court date, a Fairfax City police spokesman told the Post.

President Obama nominated Babbitt to become the 16th FAA Administrator in 2009. Babbitt has previously served under President Bill Clinton as FAA Management Advisory Council.

Neither the FAA or Department of Transportation have issued statements on the arrest.

DOT Bans Hand-Held Phone For Commercial Bus And Truck Drivers

By Mike Hothi

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a a final rule Wednesday to end distractive driving by outlawing truck and bus drivers from talking on hand-held phones while operating their commercial vehicles.

“When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly,” said LaHood. “I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.”

Violators of the restriction will pay $2,750 for each offense and will be disallowed from operating their vehicle if they are repeat offenders. Companies that violate the restriction will face a maximum fine of $11,000.

“This final rule represents a giant leap for safety,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro. “Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the whell and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake.”