Distracted Driving Becomes Even Deadlier When It Happens to a Trucker

Distracted driving has been widely publicized to warn drivers to put their phones down and keep their eyes on the road. However, while distracted driving can be deadly in the worst cases, when it happens to a trucker, there are no distracted driving accidents that aren’t devastating.

A truck moving at a good clip while distracted driving doesn’t just get into a simple fender bender when they fail to brake, their massive truck will devastate a vehicle. That is exactly what makes this potential crime so terrifying for other drivers.

Distracted driving is a real danger and regular drivers know to keep their devices in their pockets, but what are the rules for truckers? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truckers are prohibited from not only using phones, but even reaching or holding them while driving. They cannot even use a text-base dispatch device unless they are safely pulled over and stopped. Penalties for distracted truck drivers include being fined up to $2,750, being put out-of-service for up to 120 days, and penalties for the driver’s employer.

While you would think truckers would be less susceptible to distraction when driving an 80 ton powerhouse at highway speed, but unfortunately, they are just as weak to their phones as everyone else. Trucking it a somewhat boring job and many truckers find themselves not thinking clearly after hours of the hypnotic influence of being on the road.

Have you are someone you loved been in a truck accident due to distracted driving or otherwise? Contact us today for a free consultation to see if you have legal action available to you.