Distracted Truck Driving: The Risks and The Penalties

Distracted truck driving is considered a major part of the “road accident problem” and hence, is often considered a punishable offense by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

You, as a truck driver needs to know the risks and the penalties associated with the same and should also try to keep them at bay in the best possible manner. In this article, we’ll be discussing all these things in through details for your reference. Let’s begin without further ado.

What do the FMCSA say about distracted truck driving?

The new FMCSA rules consider texting and holding a mobile phone during driving as a part of distracted driving. You, as a truck driver needs to keep them at bay in the best possible manner. If you are caught in such a position, you will be in trouble.

Truck drivers who are caught texting or using hand-held mobile phones are considered ones to be prone to truck accidents and are subjected to heavy fines and job disqualifications. So be careful for what you wish for.

Although hand-held mobile phones are prohibited by the FMCSA for distracted driving, hands-free options are considered acceptable to a specific extent. So you may consider that option during your drive if you want.

FMCSA’s verdict on distracted truck driving

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would like to keep it exceptionally short and simple. Their preventive measure is inclusive of things like:

• No holding
• No reaching
• No texting
• No dialing
• No reading

The FMCSA also considered the following as a part of distracted truck driving:

Using at least a single hand to take a mobile phone call during the drive.
Dialing a number from the phone during the drive.
Reaching out for the phone in a manner such that the driver is no longer is his/her designated seat even for the faintest bit of time.

Distracted driving penalties

a. Truck drivers may be fined up to $2,750.

b. If the offense is made repeatedly, the driver may be put out of service.

c. The employer of the driver (if any) may be fined up to $11,000 if it’s found that they actually allow the driver to use hand-held mobile devices during the drive.

d. The employer’s safety measurement system ratings will also get affected.

e. Repeated offenses will be considered a part of “serious traffic violations” and will be dealt accordingly.

How to reduce distracted truck driving: A few tips

Obey the law and stay out of trouble. This is the best advice that one can give you as far as distracted riving is concerned. Here are a few tips that can come in handy for you:

1. Use your phone ONLY in case of an emergency

While you’re driving, you should use your phone only if there’s an emergency.

Handheld phones are still a big no-no from our ends. If you must use it, opt to talk through the hands-free version of the phone where you’ll be able to communicate via Bluetooth. But to be on the safer side, we would recommend you to stop your truck, talk and then continue.

2. Avoid driving if you are drowsy

Most truck driving accidents occur as a result of drowsiness either through fatigue or under intoxication.

If you are feeling drowsy during your drive, stop and get off the road. Get to a motel nearby and take some rest. A simple step like that can go a long way indeed.

3. Try not to multi-task during your drive

Multi-tasking is another thing that may result in a whole lot accidents as a result of distraction.

Even simple things like changing the music during the drive can cost you your life. So do accordingly.

An analysis of accident risks on basis of distracted driving

• Texting: 23.2 times more chances of an accident.

• Dialing cell phones: 5.9 times more chances of an accident.

• Reaching out for a device: 6.7 times more chances of an accident.

• Looking at the map: 7 times more chances of an accident.

So no calls, no text and no tickets. That’s the way to a better and a safer future.

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Greg Baumgartner

Lawyer at The Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

Greg Baumgartner handles truck accident lawsuits for victims of truck accidents in Texas. He is an expert Texas Truck Accident Lawyer with an exemplary track record.