Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making them more difficult to stop quickly at high speeds. When drivers are distracted, the risk of catastrophic accidents increases dramatically. With tight delivery schedules, truck drivers often face pressure to stay on the road for extended periods, making focus and attention even more critical for road safety.
Since most carriers book orders for delivery within a few days, drivers often have to drive through the highways very quickly. Drivers have to be very careful, especially when there are other vehicles nearby. One small mistake can lead to a devastating accident with loss of life for the truck driver or others nearby.
Distractions for Truck Drivers
Distractions are a leading cause of highway collisions involving large trucks. Long, monotonous routes may tempt drivers to seek stimulation while behind the wheel. Mobile devices, onboard dispatch equipment, and even eating or checking maps can divert attention long enough to cause serious accidents.
Reports from federal motor authorities suggest that tens of thousands of truck drivers use mobile devices every day while driving their trucks. The number is hardly surprising given that hundreds of thousands of small passenger car drivers do the same. However, passenger car accidents are often not a catastrophic as a truck accident and truck drivers are expected to follow a higher degree of caution than typical drivers do.
Common Distractions Among Truck Drivers Include:
- External distractions (e.g., roadside events or billboards)
- Handheld or hands-free mobile phone use
- Dispatch communication devices
- GPS navigation or printed maps
- Eating and drinking while driving
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck Accident StatisticsAccording to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash when texting while driving. Reaching for an object triples the likelihood of an accident, while dialing a mobile device increases crash risk by 600%. Even talking on the phone raises the risk by up to seven times. At 55 mph, looking away from the road for five seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field without watching the road. The FMCSA issued a report on the matter that shows truckers are 23 times more likely to cause an accident while using mobile phone compared to truckers who do not use mobiles while driving. The report also shows that truckers who are reaching for an object while driving are 3 times more likely to cause a crash. Dialing any handheld device, even if you are not looking at it, can increase the likelihood of an accident by 600%.
Talking on the phone while driving can increase the likelihood of an accident by seven times. Texting or playing games on the mobile while driving were considered the most distracting actions. While texting, a truck driver takes his eye off the road for an average of 4 – 5 seconds. If the truck is going at the speed of 55 mph, a truck can travel the length of a football field in that amount of time. You can also visit our resource page on truck accident statistics compiled from numerous sources.
Ban on Mobile Phone Use
The federal government and many state authorities have banned the use of mobile phones for truck drivers while the truck is in motion. Federal regulations prohibit commercial drivers from using handheld mobile phones while operating their vehicles. Violations can result in fines, license suspension, and, in some cases, disqualification from commercial driving. If a driver causes a crash while using a mobile device, both the driver and their employer may be held legally responsible. Companies may face additional liability if they knowingly allowed risky behavior to continue.
If a truck driver is involved in an accident and the investigation reveals that they were using a mobile device when the accident took place, they driver can be held responsible for causing the accident. The trucking company can also be sued in such cases for employing the driver, especially if it can be proven that they were aware of the driver’s bad habit.