Texting while driving is a dangerous habit for anyone, but it is especially dangerous for drivers of commercial vehicles. Distracted driving leads to truck accidents, which can often claim the lives of innocent people.
New measures are on the horizon that would prohibit truck drivers from using cell phones while on the road. Inspired by a September 2011 Kentucky crash that killed 11 people as a result of a trucker’s distracted driving, including the truck driver, the National Traffic Safety Bureau (NTSB) has announced plans to ban cell phone use for drivers of commercial vehicles.
Being a trucker means long stretches of time without seeing friends and loved ones. Cell phones can make the job emotionally easier by keeping truckers connected to the people they care about and giving them the reassurance that they can be reached in the event of an emergency at home. While the desire for a connection is understandable, the urge to talk or text while driving can become difficult to ignore, which is why many safety experts support the ban.
Some phone companies have also joined the effort to prevent truck accidents caused by distracted driving. Both Sprint and T-Mobile have apps that can detect when a customer is on the road and will redirect his or her calls during this time.
Contacting a New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with the knowledgeable, caring attorneys at Gacovino Lake & Associates. With years of experience behind us, we will fight for your right to the compensation you need to move on with your life. Call us today at 1-800-246-4878.
