Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about distracted driving and commercial truck accidents.
Commercial truck accident is unfortunately one of the most common types of vehicle accidents noted around the world. While various types of vehicles and drivers contribute to overall accident statistics, commercial truck crashes are particularly likely to cause serious or fatal injuries. There are many reasons behind commercial truck accidents, from human errors to natural circumstances. After a collision, a truck accident attorney in Houston may be able to help you determine your legal rights and seek compensation for injuries suffered.
One prominent human error contributing to commercial truck accidents is distracted driving. A study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that three years of data estimated 11,000 truck crashes nationwide involved external distractions. Let’s explore more about the most obvious causes of these truck incidents.
Most Common Commercial Truck Driving Distractions
Commercial truck drivers have a significant risk of being distracted as they travel a very long distance from city to city or even across borders. Given the nature of their job, which involves delivering cargo over long journeys, drivers may find themselves susceptible to distractions due to fatigue, drowsiness, or even boredom.
Here are some common types of distractions for commercial truck drivers:
Distraction by a Phone
Our mobile phones have become a very necessary part of our lives. Unfortunately, these devices are also among the most common distractions for anyone in any vehicle, including commercial truck drivers. It can be due to the following reasons:
- Texting: Texting remains one of the most common and perilous distractions. When a driver engages in texting, their vision is diverted from the road as their eyes focus on the message or text being typed. Even a moment of inattention can have severe consequences.
- Calling: Calling is another common reason for using a phone while driving. Engaging in a phone conversation, whether hands-free or not, can divert a truck driver’s mental focus, splitting his focus between the road and the conversation.
- Notification alerts: The sound of incoming messages or notifications can cause the driver to reflexively glance over at their mobile device, leading to a split second where their attention is not fully on the road.
- Use of mobile apps: The use of mobile applications, such as navigation or multimedia apps, introduces additional risks. Navigating using a digital map or changing a song can distract a driver. By taking their focus away from the road, the use of cellphone apps can substantially increase the risk of a crash.
In-cab-technology
In recent years, truck drivers have been forced to come to terms with a new type of distraction: in-cab technology. From onboard computers to entertainment systems, there are plenty of features that can take a commercial truck driver’s focus away from the road. Although these technological advancements offer convenience and aid, they can also lead to accidents if not utilized responsibly.
Eating and Drinking
When a driver eats or drinks while driving, it can cause them to lose focus on the road, which can be a potential danger. Furthermore, spills or hard-to-eat foods can escalate the risk of accidents. Juggling between eating, drinking, and driving can impair a driver’s reaction time. In the event of an unexpected hazard or sudden change in traffic conditions, that delayed response could potentially lead to an accident.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most significant factors in commercial truck accidents. As mentioned above, commercial truck drivers often have long driving hours and demanding schedules, which can cause sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Fatigue impairs a driver’s judgment, slows their reaction times, and decreases alertness, all of which can prove to be deadly on the open road. A higly recommended sacramento truck accident attorney from California, CA must be called when an accident occurs.
Preventing Distracted Commercial Truck Drivers:
For commercial truck drivers, staying focused on the road is crucial for everyone’s safety. Avoid texting while driving under all circumstances – if you get an important message, find a safe spot to park and respond.
Phones that do not require you to hold them while dialing a number or talking can help keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Most smartphones either have this hands-free ability or have apps available to provide it. If you have recently been involved in a truck accident, you may seek legal assistance from a Detroit truck accident lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected.
When handling printed directions or maps, it’s safer to pull over if you need to read or write something. Planning stops for non-essential tasks and using technology responsibly can help minimize distractions. Remember, a well-rested and alert driver is a safer driver, so prioritize breaks to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.