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In the state of Texas and elsewhere in the United States, distracted driving is a major underlying cause of accidents. Indeed, thousands of people are injured annually across the country in distracted driver commercial truck accidents. There are some specific strategies that can be employed to eliminate distracted driving by big rig operators.
A fundamental strategy to reduce the risk of distracted driving is to avoid multitasking. This includes talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even texting. Eating and drinking should also be avoided while operating a commercial truck. Texting and driving a commercial truck will not only get you a ticket, but is also 23 times more likely to be involved in a safety-critical event.
Studies show that drivers are 6 times more likely to become involved in a critical event when dialing a cell phone. The FMCSA has also passed rules restricting how a cellphone can be dialed by a trucker.
A second key strategy to reduce the risk of distracted driving is to maintain a sharp focus. A big rig operator needs to avoid anything that takes the focus off driving. This means actively scanning the road, including using a truck’s mirrors.
Another tactic to reduce driver distraction is to make all necessary adjustments before getting on the road. This includes everything from preparing the GPS, setting the radio, adjusting the mirrors, climate control, and other tasks. This should be avoided whenever possible while driving.
As noted previously, eating and drinking should be avoided while driving. In addition, a driver should eat healthy snacks before and after a trip. Additionally, snacking can occur during breaks taken while driving, during fueling stops, and for other purposes.
A surprising number of rig drivers engage in grooming and even dressing while driving. Grooming and dressing should be completed before a big rig driver gets behind the wheel.
37% of all commercial truck drivers report that they have nodded off, or fallen completely asleep, behind the wheel. Fatigue is classified as a major driving distraction. Even if a driver does not nod off, fatigue prevents a commercial truck driver from being fully connected to the important task of operating a commercial truck.
In the event of an emergency, the first step is to pull over to the side of the road and contact the appropriate emergency personnel. Even the use of hands-free devices while driving can cause a driver to become distracted.
Another strategy to avoid distracted driving is to ensure that all items carried in the cab of a truck are properly stowed. Items that are loose and rolling around inside the cab can be distracting and dangerous.
If you have questions about a commercial vehicle accident, call our Houston trucking accident law firm for a consultation about your rights and options.
Smart IQ Beat: https://qjfzq2fanlmgxz8x3qlzih10-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SmartIQ_Beat_Trucking_Distracted_Driving-UK.pdf
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/distracted-driving/mobile-phone-restrictions-fact-sheet
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/driver-safety/distracted-driving/no-texting-rule-fact-sheet
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