The U.S. Department of Transportation on Jan. 26 issued a nationwide ban on texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses.

"We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving."

USRider, a national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians, applauded the ban.

Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, urged horse owners to voluntarily comply with this ban while transporting horses. The combined weight of a loaded horse trailer and tow vehicle can approach that of commercial vehicles, and they should be treated as such. With the increased weight, these vehicles have a much longer stopping distance than passenger cars and light trucks