Truck drivers are vital individuals within the economy. However, they can also pose very real threats to anyone on the road if they are driving distracted or tired.
You encounter them every day on the road – big trucks are everywhere. They transport foodstuffs, construction materials, carpeting, raw materials, heavy equipment and more. There are few things as essential to the economy as tractor-trailers. However, the drivers of these trucks can at times pose very serious risks to others, particularly in the case of distracted driving.
Frightening Statistics
A recent study by the federal government found some rather frightening statics. Of 40,000 deaths in road collisions, 10% of those directly involved large trucks. 78% of those deaths were attributable to distracted driving on the part of the truck driver. That’s an astounding percentage of tragic deaths that could have been avoided had the driver simply been paying closer attention on the road.
The Causes of Distracted Driving
Truck drivers are prone to the same distractions as any other driver, as well as some that are specific to their positions. For instance, many devices can cause distractions. These are not limited to cell phones and the like – even calculators can be distractions, particularly if the driver is attempting to calculate mileage traveled while actually behind the wheel. The government study urges fleet safety managers to develop policies and procedures that address these concerns and help curb the presence of distracting devices within truck cabs.
Of course, cell phones are also highly distracting devices. Texting while driving has been proven to be more dangerous than driving while drunk, and truck drivers are just as prone to texting behind the wheel as the average consumer. Even just dialing a cell phone can cause serious distractions while on the road. However, the study did find that drivers speaking on a cell phone or CB radio were not any more distracted than those not communicating – it’s the act of dialing the phone that causes the distraction. This can be eliminated by mandating hands-free systems within truck cabs.
For Those Injured
For those who have been injured or who have lost a loved one in a trucking accident where distracted driving was a factor, finding the right law firm to represent you in a court of law is essential. A reputable lawyer can fight for your rights and help prevent further tragedies from occurring.
