Distracted driving is prevalent on many roadways nationwide. The fact that American drivers continue to operate their vehicles while preoccupied results in distracted driving being the leading cause of car accidents in the U.S. When a big rig is involved, distracted driving can have even more serious or deadly consequences.
Some common forms of distracted driving a truck driver may engage in include:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Texting and driving
- Using any type of electronic device or tablet while at the wheel
- Eating
- Grooming
Driving and Texting, Not a Good Combination
A truck driver who texts and drives is more than 20 times as likely to cause a truck accident as a trucker solely focused on the road. To combat this serious hazard, the Department of Transportation (DOT) passed federal legislation that makes it illegal for commercial truck drivers to engage in the practice of texting and driving. If a trucker violates the law, they will face serious penalties including large monetary fines. Moreover, a trucker who texts and drives can face civil as well as criminal charges.
Employers also have a duty under the DOT’s texting law. If a commercial trucking company permits its trucker employees to disregard the texting and driving rule, the employer can be fined as much as $11,000. The DOT anticipates that this hefty fine will encourage many commercial trucking employers to educate, train and encourage their employees to abide by the anti-texting legislation.
The Harm a Distracted Truck Driver Can Cause
A distracted truck driver can cause significant harm to themselves and many other innocent people who share the road with them. Delaware truck accident lawyers at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP support the DOT’s legislation to prevent truckers from distracted driving. Our personal injury lawyers are available to assist victims injured in truck accidents pursue justice in trucking accidents that involve multiple defendants.
Truck Accident Lawyers at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP Represent Truck Accident Victims in Pennsylvania and Delaware
If you or your loved one has been injured in a trucking accident due to distracted driving in Pennsylvania or Delaware, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To speak with one of our accident lawyers about seeking damages in a truck accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania and Delaware, call the law offices of Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP at (302) 295-5050 or toll free (800) 300-0909 or submit an online inquiry to set up your free initial consultation.