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Distracted Driving One of the Most Common Truck Crash Causes

Regardless of what form it takes, whether it is eating, talking, or texting behind the wheel, distracted driving can be a deadly behavior.

Can Distracted Driving Cause Accidents?

Yes, it certainly can. A big rig driven by a distracted driver is a lethal weapon. Driver distraction is a frequently cited factor in accidents involving large trucks. In fact, researchers at Virginia Tech found that truck drivers who send text messages are about 23 times more likely to get into an accident or a near-miss than drivers who keep their eyes on the road. To truly showcase just how dangerous it is for a driver to operate a vehicle while distracted, we will let the statistics speak for themselves.

Consider the following key facts presented by Distraction.gov:

  • In 2012, more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes affected by distraction;
  • 10% of drivers involved in a fatal crash who are 20 years or younger were reported as distracted;
  • 20% of teenagers and 10% of parents say they have extended text conversations while driving; and
  • At any point during the day, approximately 666,000 drivers are using electronic devices while driving.

What Are Common Forms of Distracted Driving?

While texting behind the wheel is one of the most commonly noted forms of distracted driving, it is not the only form. In fact, distracted driving could involve any activity that causes a driver's attention to be diverted from driving.

This could include any of the following activities:
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers in the car
  • Grooming (ex: applying makeup)
  • Operating a radio or GPS device
  • Watching a video or reading a map

To reduce accidents caused by driver distraction, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration now prohibits truck and bus drivers from texting with any handheld cell phone or other device that takes the drivers' eyes off the road. Truck or bus drivers who violate the regulation are subject to a penalty of up to $2,750. If you were seriously injured in an accident in which a truck driver was cited for distracted driving, you have a legal right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Voice-Operated Texting

While initially believed to be a safer alternative to the dangerous behavior of texting while driving, voice-operated texting has been proven to be just as distracting.

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