Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, often facing tight deadlines and traffic congestion. In this high-pressure environment, distractions can easily occur, and the consequences can be severe. Distracted driving is a significant risk for all drivers, but it’s especially dangerous for truckers due to their size and weight.
In this article, we’ll explore the risks of distracted driving for truckers.
What Should Truck Drivers Know About Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can take many forms, such as using a cell phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming. Anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving is a distraction and can increase your risk of an accident.
When operating a large commercial vehicle, the risks of distracted driving are even higher. Trucks require more time and distance to stop, making it harder to avoid collisions. Additionally, the size and weight of a truck mean that accidents are more likely to be severe, causing serious injuries or fatalities.
To stay safe on the road, truck drivers should avoid all forms of distracted driving. This means keeping your focus on the road and avoiding any activities that could take your attention away from driving.
If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe location and use your phone. Similarly, if you need to eat or drink, take a break from driving and do so in a safe area.
By being aware of the risks of distracted driving and taking proactive steps to prevent it, truck drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
How Does The FMCSA Define ‘Distracted Driving’?
The FMCSA and DOT define distracted driving as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. This includes:
- Visual distractions, which take your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which take your hands off the steering wheel
- Cognitive distractions, which take your mind off driving
According to the FMCSA, distracted driving can be particularly dangerous for truck drivers, who are already at a higher risk of accidents due to their size and weight. To help prevent distracted driving, the FMCSA has implemented regulations that restrict the use of electronic devices while driving.
Under FMCSA regulations, commercial drivers are prohibited from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. Additionally, drivers are not allowed to reach for or hold a mobile phone to make a call or text, or to read a message on a phone screen. Violating these regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even loss of commercial driving privileges.
Penalties For Distracted Driving
Truck drivers who engage in distracted driving face significant penalties. If a driver is caught using a hand-held device while driving, they can be fined up to $2,750. Repeat offenses may result in disqualification or being put out of service for up to 120 days.
Additionally, if the driver’s employer knowingly allows or requires the use of hand-held devices while driving, they can be fined up to $11,000. These violations will negatively affect the employer’s SMS (Safety Measurement System) ratings and can result in serious penalties.
The penalties for distracted driving are in place to deter drivers from engaging in this dangerous behavior, which can lead to serious accidents and injuries. It’s crucial for truck drivers to understand and follow these regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
How Likely Is The Risk Of An Accident?
Studies conducted by the FMCSA have shown that the risk of a safety-critical event– such as a crash, near-crash, or unintentional lane deviation– is significantly higher for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who text while driving.
In fact, the odds of being involved in a safety-critical event are 23.2 times greater for CMV drivers who text while driving compared to those who do not engage in distracted driving. This highlights the grave danger that distracted driving poses to truck drivers and others on the road. It’s essential for truck drivers to remain focused and avoid distractions to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.
Interested in being a truck driver? Contact Drive M&W today.
