The Risks Associated with Distracted Truck Drivers

There have been numerous stories in the news of late pointing to how dangerous our roadways are getting, in large part because of distracted or fatigued truck drivers. Trucking accidents are some of the most serious, more often than not resulting in severe, life-threatening injuries or death. The sheer size and weight of a truck can cause disastrous accidents on the highway, leaving victims with years of physical and emotional rehabilitation, or worse. However, the bulk of a big rig is not the only issue contributing to semi accidents. In fact, a significant number of trucking accidents are being traced back to the rig driver himself.

Truck drivers are faced with a big challenge day in and day out – to push on to make it to the next destination on time (and then home) or to pull over and rest weary eyes. Unfortunately, the latter is not chosen as often as we would like to think. This is why we have so many fatigued, and in turn distracted, semi truck drivers on the roadways today. In the midst of long shifts and tight deadlines, commercial truck drivers often turn to technology and other distractions in order to keep them awake. According to recent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, truck drivers are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in an accident or near-crash while driving distracted.

Before we look at some of the top ways in which truck drivers can become distracted, let’s go over what, exactly, distracted driving is:

• According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, distracted driving can either be cognitive (taking one’s mind and focus off of the task of driving), manual (taking hands off the wheel), or visual (anything that takes the driver’s eyes from the road).

Common Distractions for Truck Drivers

Again, it is important to note that semi trucks are far more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities because of their size and weight. Furthermore, it is more likely for truck drivers to become distracted than other drivers because of the long distances they are required to travel. Some of the most common types of truck driver distractions include:

• Texting while driving
• Talking on a cell phone or CB radio while driving
• Looking at a GPS system or map
• Reading a newspaper, book, computer, or any other written material
• Watching something
• Reaching to grab food, a drink, map, or anything else

There are many different injuries that may occur as the result of truck-related accident, including:

• Spinal and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Bruises
• Head injuries
• Internal injuries
• Death

To learn more about the dangers of distracted truck driving in Dallas, please contact Rad Law Firm today. Our attorneys are prepared to go over your case with you and help you better understand your rights and what legal action you may be able to pursue.