The Truck Accident Law Firm Blog

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) driver distraction is a major cause of car and truck accidents. While using a cell phone increases the risk of collision four-fold, and cell phone use is one of the most common tasks drivers engage in while driving, cell phones are not the only problem on our nation’s roadways. Truck drivers have enough stress on the job as it is; distractions such as using a cell phone or using other technology is a recipe for disaster.

Some causes of distraction include:

• Visual distractions such as changing CDs or tuning the radio.
• Rear-facing infant seats in the back seat, particularly when the driver is the only other person in the vehicle.
• Passengers, especially among younger drivers
• Drinking beverages, particularly hot drinks
• Failure to plan ahead for using technology or other objects during the drive.*
• Failure to preprogram technological devices, e.g. GPSs and PDAs.
• Failure to anticipate the road and traffic conditions ahead before engaging in a distracting task.
  
  

Age is a significant factor in distracted driving activities. A NHTSA study, Driver Strategies for Engaging in Distracting Tasks Using In-Vehicle Technologies, March 2008, found that teen drivers sought out opportunities to challenge their multitasking skills while driving, and that older drivers tried to limit these kinds of challenges.

Business drivers were more likely to plan ahead the placement of their cell phones, earpieces, information sources, and other objects that they might use while driving. Personal drivers tended not to plan for the use of technology or other objects during their drive. Truck drivers have been known to use lap top computers while driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured (or killed) in a truck accident, it’s imperative that you contact a knowledgeable, experienced truck accident attorney in your area today.