Because of the catastrophic damage they can cause if they lose focus, a tractor-trailer driver must have their head in the game at all times. Even a momentary lapse in concentration, judgment, or execution can lead to disaster. That means truckers have to resist all manner of tempting distractions—but like what? What are the common causes of distracted driving in commercial trucks?
Answer: Phone use, eating, computer use, and reaching for something in the cab are the most common cause of distracted driving crashes in commercial trucks.
In this article we will take a closer look at those distractions, as well as why it's such a problem when a trucker does anything but his job.
Common Truck Driver Distractions
The following is not a comprehensive list, but each mentioned distraction has caused more than enough commercial truck accidents over the years.
- Phone use: Even trained professionals are often tempted to make calls, send texts, or browse the web instead of focusing on their job. More and more crashes are caused by distractions from a cell phone, and that issue isn't limited to the trucking industry.
- Eating or drinking: One of the most common distractions. Unwrapping food or reaching for a drink may cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel, and may slow their response time if they eat while in motion.
- Computers and internet: Truckers have been known to take personal laptops or tablets on trips, then use them to surf the internet or chat with people while driving. Naturally, watching the screen instead of the road is a dangerous decision. For example, not long ago we litigated a case where the truck driver who hit our client had his laptop open in his truck—and his browser was on an adult website he probably didn't want anyone to know he visited.
- Reaching for something: Sometimes a trucker needs to adjust a GPS, dig between the seats, or check for something in the glove box. Even a few moments of diverted attention can be enough to trigger a serious accident.
As noted at the start, this is not a complete account of every possible thing that could take a trucker's attention away from the task at hand. The mentioned distractions are just the ones we've seen most often over decades of truck accident investigations, and any of them can lead to catastrophic and deadly crashes.
Why Is It an Issue if a Trucker Gets Distracted?
A truck driver getting distracted on the road is a significant issue due to the potential severity of the consequences if they crash. Here are some reasons why:
- Size and Weight of Trucks: Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than typical passenger vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while an average car weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. That size difference means accidents involving trucks tend to be far more devastating in scale and aftermath.
- Longer Stopping Distance: Due to their weight, trucks need require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. If a truck driver is distracted, even a small delay in reaction time can make it impossible to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Increased Risk of Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Trucks often travel in heavy traffic at high speeds. Because of their size, their crashes (especially on highways) often involve several vehicles. A distracted truck driver can certainly cause such a crash, turning a small mistake into a large-scale disaster.
- Limited Maneuverability: Anyone who has seen a semi-truck maneuver knows it can't exactly stop or turn on a dime. Trucks already have limited ability to swerve or quickly avoid hazards, and an inattentive driver will have even less time to take the necessary measures to avoid a crash.
- Professional Responsibility: Truck drivers are responsible for operating heavy machinery on public roads and highways. They are entrusted with the safety of themselves, other drivers, pedestrians, and the cargo they transport. Any distraction that compromises their focus undermines this responsibility.
Given these factors, distraction for a truck driver can be catastrophic, leading to loss of life, severe injuries, and extensive property damage.
What Does This Mean for Truck Accident Victims?
We understand that truck drivers, like anyone, can make mistakes, and that we live in an increasingly distracting world. However, experience has taught us that the impact of truck drivers' mistakes can be devastating on a scale that car drivers will never match. Even a momentary lapse in judgment in a 40-ton truck can lead to catastrophe, and the people hurt in one deserve accountability and compensation. It's rarely simple to get either, however, and most people may not know where to start or who to talk to.
That is why injured victims and their families are often best served by getting an experienced truck accident lawyer in their corner. The attorneys at Grossman Law Offices have helped truck accident victims and their families for decades, and they are always available to discuss your accident. If you lost a loved one or were injured in any kind of commercial truck accident, including one caused by a suspected distracted truck driver, call any time for a free and confidential consultation.