When you drive alongside an 18-wheeler on the highway, you might notice the truck driver sitting high above the road with a clear view of traffic ahead. What you cannot see is whether that driver is checking a phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating lunch while controlling 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo. That kind of distracted driving puts everyone at risk, and the dangers multiply when the distracted driver operates a commercial truck. Federal and state laws recognize this difference, which is why truck drivers face stricter rules than regular motorists when it comes to staying focused on the road.
What Makes Distracted Driving Laws Stricter for Truck Drivers?
Commercial truck drivers must follow federal regulations that go far beyond what regular drivers face under state law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits truck drivers from texting while driving, a rule that carries fines up to $2,750 for drivers. Federal law also bans truck drivers from using handheld mobile phones while operating their vehicles, requiring them to use hands-free devices instead. These higher standards exist because commercial trucks need longer stopping distances and cause more devastating injuries in truck accidents.
What Other Penalties Do Truck Drivers Face for Distracted Driving?
Truck drivers face serious consequences beyond monetary penalties for distracted driving. A commercial driver who violates federal rules can lose their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) after multiple offenses, which means losing their livelihood entirely. This creates strong pressure on trucking companies to monitor driver behavior closely.
Can Truck Drivers Use GPS Devices While Driving?
Truck drivers can use GPS systems, but only under specific conditions that limit distraction. The device must be mounted where the driver can view it without taking their eyes off the road for more than a brief glance, and drivers cannot hold the device or program new destinations while moving. Federal rules require that any device used while driving must allow operation with a single button press. Many drivers are required to set their routes before starting trips or wait until rest breaks to make changes.
Are There Special Rules About Eating While Driving a Truck?
While no federal law specifically bans eating while driving a commercial truck, distracted driving regulations cover any activity that takes attention away from operating the vehicle safely. Truck drivers who cause accidents while eating can face liability for distracted driving, as the FMCSA considers any non-driving activity a potential distraction. Many safety programs at trucking companies discourage drivers from eating behind the wheel, encouraging them to use their required rest breaks for meals instead.
How Can Evidence Prove That a Truck Driver Was Distracted?
Violations of federal rules can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in personal injury cases, while phone records, electronic logging device data, and witness statements can also prove that a truck driver was distracted at the time of a crash. Other forms of evidence include photographs, the claimant’s medical records, and trucking companies’ records of their drivers’ activities, which lawyers can request during the legal process.
Can the Truck Driver’s Employer Be Held Liable for the Crash if the Driver Was Distracted?
Yes, employers can often be held liable for distracted driving crashes. Under “vicarious liability,” companies are responsible for drivers acting within their employment scope. They may also face claims for negligent hiring, training, or supervision if they failed to properly vet drivers or monitor their behavior. Additionally, trucking companies can be liable for violating federal FMCSA safety regulations. Since these companies typically carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers, they are often key defendants in injury claims.
Fight Back After a Distracted Truck Driver Collision With Our Knowledgeable Manasquan Truck Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC
If you believe that a distracted truck driver caused your crash, contact our Manasquan truck accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC. For a free consultation, call today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. With office locations in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.