Distracted driving is dangerous under any circumstances. When the driver is operating an 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck, the risks are exponentially higher due to the vehicles’ size, weight, and limited maneuverability.
Because of these heightened dangers, understanding the causes and consequences of truck driver distracted driving is critical.
At D. Miller & Associates in Houston, we are passionate about making Texas roads safer for everyone. On this page, we will explore how distractions contribute to truck crashes in Texas, what state and federal laws have to say about the matter, and how investigators uncover evidence in these complex cases.
From Phones to Food: A Closer Look at Truck Driver Distractions
Common sense tells us to keep our eyes on the road while driving, but distractions abound in the modern world, and truck drivers are not immune to these temptations. Some of the most dangerous distractions that lead to truck accidents in Texas include:
Mobile Phones and Texting
The stopping distance of a fully loaded semi- truck is nearly the length of two football fields. Even a brief glance at a text message or phone notification can turn a preventable hazard into a serious texting while driving truck accident.
Eating and Drinking
Truck drivers often eat while driving to save time on long routes or tight delivery schedules. An act as simple as unwrapping a sandwich or reaching for a drink can take a truck driver’s eyes, mind, and hands off the task of driving, placing everyone else on the road at risk.
GPS and Navigation Systems
Trucking routes can be complex, and drivers often adjust GPS devices while moving to find alternate routes or avoid traffic. Interacting with the screen can distract them at critical moments, especially when navigating tight city streets, highway exits, or construction zones.
Logging and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Federal regulations require drivers to log hours accurately, and some may check or adjust electronic logs while driving. Even short glances to update or verify driving hours can lead to delayed reactions or missed hazards on the road.
Talking to Passengers or Dispatchers
Phone conversations may seem harmless, but they shift a driver’s mental focus away from the safe operation of a vehicle. A trucker engaging in a business or personal call may miss traffic signals or fail to notice slowing vehicles ahead.
Fatigue and Daydreaming
With their demanding schedules and constant pressure to deliver cargo on time, truck drivers routinely drive while fatigued. Drowsiness or zoning out can delay reactions, and in a massive commercial vehicle, even a second of inattention can have devastating consequences.
What Does the Law Say About Truckers Driving While Distracted?
State and federal lawmakers recognize the danger of distracted truck drivers and have shaped laws and guidelines that address this threat. Both federal and state laws outline specific rules designed to prevent truckers from engaging in activities that take their attention away from the road.
Federal Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a federal agency charged with regulating and improving the safe operation of commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks and buses.
FMCSA distracted driving regulations expressly prohibit texting and other cell phone use while operating a commercial vehicle. Penalties apply not only to distracted drivers, but also to companies that allow or require truck drivers to use hand-held devices while operating trucks.
Texas Law
Under the Texas Transportation Code, a driver commits an offense when he or she “uses a portable wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.”
Violating these rules can result in fines, points on a driver’s license, and increased scrutiny for both the driver and the trucking company.
What Evidence is Used to Prove Distracted Driving?
Whether in the context of a criminal case, administrative review, or personal injury claim, investigators trying to determine if distracted truck driving took place will look for evidence such as:
- Black box and GPS data showing speed, braking, and route patterns
- Electronic logging devices tracking hours-of-service compliance, helping to demonstrate if a driver was operating a truck while fatigued
- Cell phone records or in-cab camera footage indicating calls, texts, or other distractions
- In-cab evidence such as food wrappers or drinks
- Witness statements and crash scene analysis
Because of the danger distracted truck drivers pose to the public, it is very important that all forms of negligence are identified and all responsible parties held to account. A Texas truck accident lawyer must carefully examine all available evidence to ensure a thorough and accurate determination of whether distracted driving contributed to the crash.
Read our Guide to Truck Accidents to learn more about how distractions and other forms of negligence contribute to serious injuries and wrongful deaths on Texas roads.
Trusted Legal Allies for Truck Accident Victims
When distracted driving and other forms of negligence strike and result in serious injuries, you can learn about your legal options by talking with one of our experienced truck accident injury attorneys.
