Truck accidents are usually catastrophic and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. While many factors can contribute to truck accidents, driver distraction is a common cause. With so many distractions on the road, truck drivers can lose focus and cause an accident that hurts you or someone you love.
Distractions for any driver come in many forms, from texting and driving to eating or drinking behind the wheel. Even something as simple as adjusting the radio or checking a GPS can take a driver’s attention away from the road. In the case of truck drivers, distractions can be especially dangerous due to the size and weight of their vehicles. A moment of inattention can lead to a devastating accident that affects not only the driver but also other motorists on the road.
To prevent truck accidents caused by distraction, it is important to identify the common distraction factors. By recognizing these factors, trucking companies and drivers can take steps to minimize distractions and improve safety on the road. In addition, injured truck accident victims who learn to recognize distracted driving can hold negligent truckers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Common Injuries and Fatalities in Truck Accidents
When a truck accident occurs, it can result in severe injuries or even fatalities. According to the CDC, the most common injuries in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
Passenger vehicles and their occupants are at a higher risk for injury in a truck accident due to the size and weight of the truck. According to the FMCSA, in 2019, there were 4,119 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks, and 67% of those fatalities were occupants of passenger vehicles. Distracted driving is a common factor in fatal truck accidents involving passenger vehicles.
Common Distractions in Truck Accidents
When it comes to truck accidents, several common distractions can cause a trucker to lose focus on the road. Some of the most common distractions truck drivers face include:
Cell Phone Use. Using a cell phone while driving is a major distraction and one of the leading causes of large truck accidents. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it takes a truck driver’s eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their mind off driving. Even using a hands-free device can be a distraction.
Driver Fatigue. Driver fatigue is another common distraction that can cause accidents. Long hours of driving without adequate rest can cause fatigue, reduce concentration, and slow reaction times. Fatigue management is essential for truck drivers to avoid accidents. Rest breaks and adhering to hours-of-service regulations can help prevent driver fatigue.
Inattention. Inattention is a leading cause of accidents involving large trucks. Daydreaming or simply not paying attention to the road are examples of how truckers might lose focus while driving.
Impairment. For truck drivers, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 or higher. Even prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications can impair a truck driver’s ability to drive safely.
Navigation Systems. Navigation systems can be a helpful tool for truck drivers, but they can also be a distraction. Fiddling with a navigation system while driving can take your eyes off the road and cause an accident.
Other Distractions. Eating or drinking while driving, adjusting the radio or climate controls, and talking to passengers are other distractions that can lead to horrific truck crashes. Truck drivers need to minimize these distractions and stay focused on the road.
Truck Driver Liability
Truck drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and avoid distractions that could lead to accidents. When a trucker gets behind the wheel, they assume a duty of care to other drivers on the road. If they fail to fulfill this duty and cause an accident, they can face liability for any resulting injuries or damages.
One of the most common distractions for truck drivers is using electronic devices while driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or using a GPS system can all take a truck driver’s attention away from the road and increase the risk of an accident. As a result, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits using handheld electronic devices while driving a commercial motor vehicle.
Another common distraction for truck drivers is fatigue. Driving long hours without adequate rest can cause fatigue, reduce concentration, and cause slower reaction times. Truck drivers must follow hours-of-service regulations that limit the amount of time they can spend driving in a given period.
What Are the Consequences of Distracted Driving For Truckers?
The consequences of distracted driving for truckers can be severe. In addition to the risk of causing an accident, distracted driving can lead to fines, legal penalties, and even the loss of their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Moreover, if a truck driver is involved in a distracted driving accident, their employer (the trucking company) can also face liability.
To prevent distracted driving, trucking companies can take many steps. For example, they can provide training and education on the dangers of distracted driving and implement policies that prohibit the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Additionally, they can install technology that monitors driver behavior, such as cameras or GPS systems, to ensure that drivers stay focused on the road.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been in a truck accident because of a distracted truck driver, you need someone willing to go the extra mile for you and your rights. Trucking companies have deep pockets, and their insurance companies will work quickly to reduce your compensation. We fight back.
At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, our truck accident lawyers are here to help trucking accident victims get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. To explore your legal options, you can either fill out a contact form on our website, and we’ll contact you, or you can call us at 406-442-7830 to answer your questions immediately. Don’t wait. Contact us today!
John Doubek and the lawyers at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP have legal experience in auto crashes, defective products, medical negligence, work accidents, wrongful death, insurance bad faith, business disputes, and Securities and Exchange matters.
