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Distracted Truck Driving and Its Risks
Jun 20, 2016 by Adler Markoff & Associates
Long distance truck drivers have an extremely challenging job that comes with numerous risks. In recent years there has been a lot of discussion regarding the safety of truck drivers and what can be done in order to mitigate risks poised to truck drivers and keep others on the road safe, too. Commercial truck drivers are required to work long shifts, often because of tight deadlines. Unfortunately, this can lead to distractions that can result in serious, life-changing injuries for both the truck driver and other drivers. According to a recent study, commercial truck drivers are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in some sort of accident or collision because of distraction. There are numerous reports that indicate that distracted driving is even more dangerous than intoxicated driving, and this is especially true when talking about commercial trucks due to their size. Drivers who have not gotten enough rest or who are distracted for some other reason have a much slower reaction time.

As you may have guessed, the potential risks are far more serious when truck drivers are distracted because of the weight, size, and force of the commercial truck they are driving. We see far more fatalities when commercial trucks are involved, which is why it is important to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. We’ve all seen it before – a single diesel commercial truck causing an accident with multiple vehicles, spread across several lanes of traffic. Today we are going to look at some of the most common types of distractions for truck drivers as well as a few statistics pertaining to commercial truck accidents.

Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,154 people die in auto accidents as a result of distracted driving every single year. Here are a few more related statistics:

Of those 3,000 fatalities, 202 involved large commercial trucks
22 of the truck drivers involved in the accidents were distracted by a cell phone
Truck drivers who text and drive are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident
Truck drivers who talk on a cell phone while driving are 6 times more likely to be involved in a crash
Common Types of Distractions for Truck Drivers
Just like with other drivers on the roadways, there are numerous distractions that can cause truck drivers to take their eyes away from the road. When this happens, the chance of an accident occurring is much, much higher. Some of the most common distractions for commercial truck drivers that may lead to accidents include:

Cell phones
Portable radios
Portable DVD players
GPS systems
Tablets or laptops
Changing the radio
Loud music
Inadequate rest
Falling objects
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the United States and affects thousands of people every single year. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, please contact AMA Law today. Our Oklahoma personal injury attorneys have handled many cases involving commercial truck companies and are prepared to fight for your rights today.