Distracted driving significantly contributes to truck accidents, and its consequences can be devastating. When distractions interfere with a truck driver’s focus, the risk of accidents increases, affecting not only the driver but also others on the road.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from the primary task of driving. For truck drivers, distractions come in many forms. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting in-cab controls, or engaging in other activities that take the driver’s eyes off the road. In truck accidents, even a few seconds of distraction can lead to devastating results due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Texas laws on distracted driving
Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.4251, drivers cannot read, write, or send electronic messages while driving. This law applies to both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Additionally, Texas enforces strict regulations on commercial vehicle operators. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, adopted by Texas, specifically ban truck drivers from texting or using a mobile phone without hands-free technology.
How distractions increase the risk of truck accidents
When truck drivers get distracted, they miss potential hazards on the road. These hazards include other vehicles, sudden changes in traffic conditions, or obstacles in their path. Due to the longer stopping distance required by large trucks, a distracted driver may not react in time to prevent a collision. In some cases, distractions cause drivers to swerve, run red lights, or rear-end other vehicles.
Preventing distracted driving
Preventing distracted driving in the trucking industry requires both proper training and enforcement. Drivers must understand the dangers of distractions and the importance of staying focused on the road.
Trucking companies should implement policies that discourage non-essential use of mobile devices or other distractions. Texas law enforcement plays a key role by ensuring that violations of distracted driving laws are addressed through fines and penalties.