Cell Phone Usage Among Truck Drivers

With increasing developments in technology, cell phone usage has both helped and hurt society. Cell phones provide communication and information with the touch of a button. However, many people abuse cell phones in dangerous situations, including behind the wheel. Commercial truck drivers have a responsibility to be safe on the road, however, many of these employees tend to drive distracted. Distracted driving increases risky driving behaviors, which can cause severe injuries and fatalities.

Distracted driving often involves cell phone usage, however, there are many ways for truck drivers to be distracted. Since truck drivers spend so much time on the road, it is not uncommon for drivers to eat, get lost in thought, or watch videos while driving. Commercial motor vehicle safety is incredibly important and allows for safer roads.

Evaluating New Jersey Roads

Lytx, a video surveillance company for commercial fleets, analyzed distracted commercial truck drivers throughout the states. According to the data, Riverside Drive and Parkway Place Exit in Edison, New Jersey is the sixth most dangerous road segment in the country. This is due to the high volume of commercial truck drivers using their cell phones while driving. This road segment follows behind several other dangerous segments in the U.S., including roads in states such as Tennessee, California, and Texas.

The Importance of Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

According to data provided by both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12 percent of traffic fatalities involve large trucks and buses. Data also revealed that six percent of fatal truck accidents involved a distracted truck driver. Even more harrowing, statistics show that 16 percent of these incidents involved cell phone usage. Other data shows that commercial motor vehicle drivers are 23.2 times more likely to experience an accident when using a cell phone.

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited for commercial motor vehicle drivers. According to rules created by the FMSCA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), drivers can face serious consequences if they choose to use their cell phones behind the wheel. One consequence includes civil penalties that include a fine of up to $2,750 dollars. Similarly, carriers may receive a fine for up to $11,000 dollars if they allow their employees to use cell phones while driving. Drivers also have the potential of experiencing driver disqualification.

Cherry Hill Truck Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Truck Accident Victims

If you or someone you know is a victim of a trucking accident, please consider contacting a Cherry Hill truck accident lawyer at DiTomaso Law. Our lawyers specialize in obtaining maximum compensation for those suffering from injuries caused by commercial driver negligence. Contact us online or call us at 856-414-0010 for a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Mt. Holly and Camden County.