The Dangers of Distracted Driving for Commercial Truck Drivers

In recent years, Amazon and online shopping options have helped fuel a boom in the trucking and delivery service industry. To accommodate consumers who have come to expect fast delivery times, the trucking industry has expanded to integrate e-commerce technology, logistics, and globalization.

As a result, you have likely already seen more commercial trucks on the road, ranging from a big rig to a heavy-duty truck. This is especially true in Alabama. Because of their size and weight, a commercial truck presents special safety concerns to all drivers on the road.

A recent study from the Truck Safety Coalition called Alabama one of the “Deadliest Truck Crash States,” coming in at number six.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that since 2009, there has been a 71 percent increase in truck-related crash deaths and injuries. NHTSA data show 5,700 fatalities a year.

If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, your Alabama truck accident lawyer, J. Allan Brown, will answer all your questions. Contact him at his Mobile, Alabama office as soon as possible for a complimentary consultation.

Commercial Truck Driving Accidents – The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is among the top five causes of most car and truck accidents. The others include speeding, fatigue, being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, and failing to abide by the rules of the road.

Distraction involves looking away from driving, that is, having your hands on the wheel at 10 and 2 positions and keeping an eye on the roadway.

There is a great deal to distract you when driving a commercial truck, and you need to stop a 70-foot truck weighing 17 to 40 tons suddenly. That puts everyone on the road in danger.

Consider:

• Changing the channel of music – Not only can music serve as a distraction, but changing the channel on a dashboard can also take one’s focus away from the road. An inspiring song can also cause a driver to speed up with the music, which may not be a good idea in traffic or where keeping distance between cars is essential.
• Use of Cell Phone – Dialing a number, reaching for the phone, dialing another number, looking up a number in your phone’s directory, texting, all of these actions contribute to distracted truck drivers. How about watching a movie or TV show on a tablet? All of these options are available today to break up a monotonous trip for a commercial truck driver.
• Navigation System – GPS systems are handy to let you know how to get somewhere, but programming the device may take your focus off the road.
• Other Activities – Eating, grooming, and talking to someone else in the cab or on the phone can distract a commercial truck driver and are not unexpected during an 11-hour haul.

Fatigue and Distracted Driving 

A big rig driver who is fatigued is less likely to have his focus on driving.

Truck drivers in Mobile, Alabama, and the entire state are often under pressure from their employers to move goods on a deadline. To do so, some drivers keep a second set of books, which violates the federal rules that require truck drivers to have adequate sleep.

A big rig driver trying to get goods to a location on time may push against the clock, and when he does that, he may have a slower reaction time to changing road conditions or someone cutting him off.

Your Alabama Truck Accident Lawyer 

If you have been injured in a truck accident, J. Allan Brown will discuss the options before you receive substantial compensation. Maybe you will be out of work for some time. Lost wages are part of compensation, as are pain and suffering and coverage for medical bills.

Attorney Brown will determine if the truck driver caused the accident because he was distracted by electronics, speeding, drifting out of his lane, and rolling through traffic signals. There may also be other third parties who contributed to the negligence that caused your accident.

It’s essential to begin an investigation immediately after the accident. Contact J Allan Brown at his Mobile, Alabama office to discuss your Alabama truck accident.

Sources:

Truck Safety Coalition
https://www.thetrucker.com/trucking-news/the-nation/truck-safety-coalition-releases-top-states-for-big-rig-related-crash-fatalities

Schneider Jobs
https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/how-long-is-semi-truck

The Dangers of Distracted Driving for Commercial Truck Drivers

Uncover the perilous consequences of distracted driving among commercial truck drivers and how it heightens the risk of accidents. From fiddling with music channels to cell phone distractions, learn why vigilance on the road is paramount. Injured in a truck accident? Seek guidance from J. Allan Brown, your trusted Alabama truck accident lawyer, for the compensation you deserve.

Service Type: Truck Accident Attorney