Distracted truckers pose risks on California roads

Truckers need to keep their wits about them at all times when they drive. There isn’t any good reason for them to allow distractions to claim their attention because they put others at risk when they allow this to happen. It’s imperative that truckers understand the scope of distractions that might impact them while they are on a haul.

One big issue for these professional drivers is cellphones. Federal regulations stipulate that texting is prohibited by anyone operating a commercial vehicle that’s used for interstate commerce. Any trucker who is caught using one can be taken out of service. They also face fines and disqualifications.

The safety risk associated with cellphones is considerable. A trucker who is texting is 23 times more likely to have a safety-critical incident than those who aren’t using a phone. Dialing a phone number is associated with an increase of six times.

Unfortunately, not all truckers abide by those regulations. While it is understandable that they’d want to remain in contact with loved ones while they’re on the road, it is unacceptable to do this at the expense of innocent parties. Instead, they should use their non-driving time or hours off to communicate with them. In some cases, hands-free options might also provide a mechanism for this usage.

A person who is struck by a truck driver who was distracted might suffer catastrophic injuries. They have the option of seeking compensation, which can help to reduce the financial strain on them by holding the liable parties accountable for the damages. There might be more than one party that you can name as a defendant, so evaluate the situation thoroughly prior to filing your claim.