Did you know that commercial drivers who are texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident than a trucker with their eyes on the road? Or that commercial drivers dialing a mobile phone are six times more likely to cause an accident?
Since the advent of the mobile phone, distracted driving has become a huge problem on our roads, highways, and interstate for all vehicles. But commercial drivers, including 18-wheeler truck drivers, may be especially susceptible to all kinds of distracted driving simply because they are on the road for long stretches of time.
Texting And Driving For Commercial Drivers Is Illegal Across All 50 States
In 2012, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) outlawed texting and driving for all commercial drivers across the country. This includes holding, using, or reaching for their cell phones, mobile devices, and smart phones. Businesses can be fined $11,000 for allowing their drivers to engage in phone-based distracted driving.
It’s important to note, though: truck drivers are allowed to operate their cell phones while pulled off of the road and at a complete stop. They are also allowed to talk through hands-free devices while on the road.
Trucker Distracted Driving Goes Beyond Texting And Cell Phones
Most people associate distracted driving with smart phones and mobile devices, but in truth, truckers have a history of engaging with a wide range of distracted driving–usually because they suffer from boredom during long hauls, or because they are trying to multi-task to save time. Commercial drivers might engage in the following dangerous activities while behind the wheel:
- Eating.
- Grooming.
- Watching video on a phone, tablet or even a television/DVD player.
- Using work-issued computers or communication devices.
- Filling in driver logs.
- Reading or looking at maps.
- Talking or interacting with a passenger.
- Looking at external distractions, like another accident.
Distractions can also be solely mental–a trucker may be lost in thought or listening to a podcast to the point where they aren’t paying attention to their primary activity: driving a vehicle that can weigh up to 40 tons.
Injured In A Truck Accident? Talk To An Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney Today
A collision with a truck can lead to extremely serious injuries or be fatal. If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed in a commercial truck accident, it is vital that you know why the accident happened and who was at fault–especially if distracted driving was involved.
At The Ye Law Firm, we have experience handling commercial truck accidents as well as distracted driving cases. We can take you through the process of handling your case from start to finish, and ensure that you get fair compensation for your damages considering the details of the crash.
Don’t continue to wonder whether you deserve compensation after your run-in with a commercial driver. Call (253) 946-0577 or fill out this short form to schedule a free consultation or to speak with our Washington truck accident attorney, Chong Ye.
