A recent government ban on texting specific to drivers of large commercial trucks should help cut-down on the number of auto accidents in Oklahoma and throughout the United States involving inattentive truck drivers. Statistically speaking, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute cited truck drivers as being 23 times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident than those drivers who pay full attention to the road. As it now stands, truck drivers can face fines of up to $2,750 for texting while driving, but instances of inattentive truck driving are still occurring across the country.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, distracted driving takes on three different forms: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distraction involves taking one’s eyes off the road, a task that the vast majority of people do while text messaging. Manual distraction involves removing one’s hands from the steering wheel – yet another action that characterizes motorists who choose to use their cell phone while operating a motor vehicles. Cognitive distraction involves not fully focusing on the task at hand. While driving a large commercial truck, much attention needs to be given to the road and the safe operation of the vehicle. Texting while driving certainly detracts from a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle with the utmost care.
Distracted driving practices greatly increase the likelihood of an accident occurring, and when those accidents involve large commercial trucks, the results can be catastrophic. Trucking companies have an obligation to ensure that the truckers whom they employ operate their vehicles safely, and don’t do so while distracted by tasks such as text messaging. In instances where a distracted truck driver causes an accident, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be held liable for damages resulting from the accident.
At Maples Law Firm, our Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys represent individuals injured in Oklahoma auto accidents involving commercial trucks. If you’ve sustained injury, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (405) 705-5050 for more information and a free evaluation of your commercial truck accident case. We will make sure your rights are protected and help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
