Texting Truckers: Distractions Can Be Deadly, As Truck Accident Attorney Explains

Distracted driving causes hundreds of deaths per year. Methods of distraction can include:

Driver distractions include:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Commercial motor vehicles are larger than passenger cars, and with that size comes an elevated risk for severe injuries and damages in an accident. It also comes with a greater responsibility to drive safely on the road in order to keep other drivers (and themselves) safe.

At the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC we know that truck accidents can be devastating and carry a high potential for a fatality. We also know that there are laws in place to try and protect drivers from driving mistakes that can cause accidents. One of the most common causes of distracted driving is cell phone use behind the wheel. Texting while driving can kill, especially when a large commercial vehicle like a tractor-trailer is involved.

Maryland's No Texting Law

The law prohibits texting and driving in Maryland, and the penalties are strict. To understand why, you need to understand that drivers can be distracted in multiple ways, such as:

• Visual distractions
• Auditory distractions
• Manual distractions, touching or using something other than the wheel
• Cognitive distractions

When using a cell phone, we are conversing, listening, and using our hands to hold the phone itself. Texting is even deadlier. A truck driver's eyes are completely off the road and focused onto a small screen that they are concentrating on navigating with just a finger. When driving at high speeds, or making wide turns, a T-bone or jackknife accident can easily occur.

Federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from texting

In 2010, federal legislation was enacted to prohibit commercial truck drivers from texting. Civil or criminal penalties are faced by drivers who choose not to obey the law, including heavy fines of $40 for a first offense and $100 for any subsequent offenses. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are subject to losing their licenses due to a violation of the law, but that's nothing compared to what victims can lose. Texting and driving can result in some of the following tragedies:

• Truck rollover
• Accident involving another vehicle
• Pedestrian accident
• Property damage
• Spillage of cargo, including hazardous and flammable materials

Texting while driving is never worth it in any vehicle, but ones as large as CMVs should be wary of both the law and their potential to take lives with just a few seconds of their eyes off the road. That's all it takes for the worst to happen.

We're on your side

When you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the results can be catastrophic. You may be facing multiple insurance companies. You may feel at a loss, and that is why you need an experienced lawyer on your side who can properly and successfully represent you in court. Contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC and let us help.