Getting into an accident with a commercial truck can result in devastating injuries to the occupants of a smaller passenger vehicle. Drivers are taught to be cautious around trucks, giving them ample space and being aware of their blind spots. However, an error by the truck driver can create a dangerous situation that other drivers are unable to avoid. Distracted driving is one of the primary causes of driver error in truck accidents. You may be able to receive personal injury compensation if you can prove that a truck driver was distracted leading up to your accident.

How Do Truck Drivers Get Distracted?

Commercial truck drivers are often fighting fatigue and boredom during the long hours they spend on the road. The driver may try to break the monotony by finding other activities to do while driving, such as using their phones or eating food. There are several ways that this can impair their driving ability:

  • Holding the object means at least one of their hands is not on the wheel.
  • They may be looking at the object when they should be watching the road.
  • If they drop the object, their impulse may be to reach for it, further taking their attention away from the road.
  • Even if their eyes are on the road, the activity may be mentally distracting.

Both federal and state laws make it illegal for truck drivers to use a cell phone while driving unless it is with a hands-free device. However, some drivers still do not follow the rules, which sometimes leads to an accident. 

Problem with Distracted Truck Driving

Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior for anyone on the road, but it can create an even more hazardous situation for truck drivers. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be in an accident. Texting can divert the driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. The truck can cover a long distance in that time if it is traveling at a high speed. It will also take longer for the truck to stop if the driver is trying to avoid an accident.

Contact a McHenry County Personal Injury Lawyer

A truck accident is more likely to result in catastrophic injuries than if you were in a crash with another passenger vehicle. A Crystal Lake, Illinois, personal injury attorney at Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC, will work to get you the injury compensation that you need. Schedule a free consultation by calling 815-338-3838.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/distracted-driving

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