Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers in Seattle

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 21, 2015

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) doesn’t allow interstate truck drivers to use hand-held devices while driving. Drivers who violate this new ban on texting while driving will be fined, and it could affect their Safety Measurement System results. Using hand held devices while driving is a negligent act that could lead to a serious injury accident. 

The reason why truck drivers aren’t allowed to text while driving is because it’s very dangerous. Any time a truck driver takes their hands off the wheel or the road, they put the lives of everyone on the road at risk. According to the FMCSA, the odds of being involved in an accident are 23.2 times greater for commercial drivers who are texting while driving than those who are not. On an average, drivers take their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds while texting. Truck drivers who are traveling at 55 mph can go 100 yards in that short period without looking at the road.

Of course, texting is not the only dangerous form of distracted driving. Truck drivers must also use caution when checking a map or GPS device. They must keep their eyes on the road when changing the radio station or reaching for something to drink. Even though many drivers have tight deadlines they’re trying to meet, they should pull over if they are hungry and not try to eat while driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Seattle truck accident, you can hold the at-fault driver as well as their employer (the trucking firm, truck’s owner or distribution company) responsible for the crash. An experienced Seattle truck accident attorney can help gather crucial evidence such as the truck driver’s cell phone records, driver logs and truck maintenance logs.

 

Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/distracted-driving