Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving commercials trucks are becoming more and more common these days. One of the most common reasons for these accidents is truck driver distraction. Truck drivers have to spend hours on the road at a time, which can get pretty tedious. They may try to distract themselves with other things to kill some of the monotony. Unfortunately, this causes them to take their eyes off the road, increasing the risk of collisions. Here are some of the most common distractions for truck drivers:
Talking on the Phone
Truck drivers are often away from their families for extended periods of time. Some of them may talk to their family members on their smartphones while they are behind the wheel. Federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from using hand-held phones, but they are allowed to use hands-free devices while driving. Unfortunately, using hands-free devices can still distract truck drivers. They still have to push a button to make a phone call, which takes their eyes off the road ahead. In addition, they may be so engaged in the conversation they’re having that they’re not paying enough attention to the road.
Texting
Many truck drivers text their family, friends and coworkers while they’re behind the wheel. It is one of the most dangerous behaviors they can partake in while driving a commercial truck. Typing and reading texts forces them to take their eyes off the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Looking at GPS Systems
Truck drivers frequently drive in unfamiliar areas, so they may rely on GPS systems for directions. However, this causes them to take their eyes off the road. Truck drivers should pull over to a safe spot to look at directions so that they don’t cause an accident.
Eating
Truck drivers are on tight deadlines all the time, so they rarely have time to stop at a restaurant and eat a full meal. That’s why many of them get their food at fast food restaurants and gas stations and eat on the road. Unfortunately, eating makes them take at least one hand off the wheel, which is dangerous.
Daydreaming
When truck drivers are running on little sleep, they may zone out and daydream about a bunch of different subjects in their heads. This can cause them to lose focus on the road and get into accidents.
Smoking
Truck driving can be a very stressful job at times. Some truck drivers may smoke while they are behind the wheel to reduce some of that stress. However, they have to remove one of their hands to hold the cigarette and take their eyes off the road while lighting them up, which can increase the risk of collisions.
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be eligible for compensation. It’s in your best interest to schedule an appointment with a skilled truck accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case.