Jackson is a frequent truck route, especially for large semis moving through the city along Route 80 or Interstate 55. Every person behind the wheel of a motor vehicle must focus solely on the road while driving. While you may hear about distracted drivers behind the wheel of cars, there are many times when truck drivers are also distracted. Distracted driver trucking accidents in Jackson are fully preventable losses, and our lawyer is here to help.
What Causes Distraction for Truck Drivers
More truck accidents are attributed to distraction each year. Here are some of the reasons these accidents happen:
- The use of technology: Technology makes a truck driver’s job easier. It provides navigational support and offers insight into vehicle conditions. However, adjusting the technology while behind the wheel, such as updating routes, creates a serious risk of injury.
- Phone use: Though texting and emailing are less commonly the cause of truck accidents, phone use – either for navigation or other tasks – remains very distracting. A driver may use a hands-free device to speak on the phone, but if the conversation is too distracting, that still creates a risk.
- Eating or drinking: Drivers often have little time for breaks, and that increases the risk of accidents. If truckers are forced to juggle eating and drinking while operating a vehicle, there is a much higher risk of losing control.
- Listening to podcasts or TV shows: If you have ever driven by a truck driver who had a TV show, podcast, or other video streaming on a device, you have experienced this type of distraction.
- Pets: Some truck drivers have taken to bringing pets along for their companionship on long, cross-country routes. While the pet itself may not be unsafe, if the driver has to manage the pet, hold it, or otherwise engage with it, that creates an increased risk of accidents.
Distracted driver trucking accidents in Jackson could happen for many other reasons. Even daydreaming is a form of distraction. Any time a driver takes even a short break from focusing on the road, the risk of accidents causing life-threatening damage is clear.
Federal distracted driving laws prohibit drivers from texting or using any handheld mobile device while operating a vehicle. The goal is to prevent distraction, but there are many ways this can happen.
Who Is Responsible When a Truck Driver Is Distracted?
When truck drivers are distracted, everyone on the road is at risk. Fault is dependent on numerous factors. The truck driver is often held at fault, for example, because they are engaging in illegal and unsafe behavior. However, trucking companies may also share some responsibility for their employees. If they knew the driver had been distracted previously, that could create liability.
There are numerous ways to avoid distractions. That includes educating drivers on risks and providing strategies for improving skills so they are less likely to become distracted. Promoting rest and frequent breaks for drivers can also help enhance security. Technology is also becoming more readily effective. Tools like driver alert systems and automatic emergency braking take some of the pressure off the trucker.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you suspect the truck driver who struck you was distracted, call 911, document all of the evidence you can, and then call our truck accident lawyer today. At Hearn Law Firm, we fight for victims even when they have to take on big trucking companies. Call today to schedule a free consultation.