Distracted driving poses a significant and often underestimated risk on our roads. When it comes to commercial truck drivers, the consequences can be particularly severe. According to commercial transportation experts, distractions are a key contributing factor in a large number of commercial truck crashes.
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident because of the negligent actions of the driver, an experienced Biloxi truck accident attorney can establish liability and help you obtain the largest possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
Types of Distracted Driving Commonly Seen on Biloxi Roads
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions involve taking one’s eyes off the road. This can include looking at a phone, adjusting the GPS, reading a map, or even gazing at external scenery. Even a brief moment of looking away on Interstate 10 or Cedar Lake Road can lead to accidents, especially at high speeds.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve taking one’s hands off the steering wheel. Examples include texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an object within the vehicle. These actions can impair a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, particularly during critical moments.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not fully focused on the task of driving. Daydreaming, engaging in deep conversations, or being preoccupied with personal matters are examples of cognitive distractions. Even if the eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel, cognitive distractions can impair reaction times.
How Does Distracted Driving Increase the Likelihood of Truck Accidents?
Increased Stopping Distance
Commercial trucks require longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles. When a truck driver is distracted, their delayed reaction time and compromised braking response can result in an inability to stop in time to avoid collisions.
Tailgating and Inadequate Following Distance
Distracted truck drivers may underestimate the necessary following distance, leading to tailgating or inadequate space between the truck and the vehicle in front. This reduces the margin for error and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Delayed Recognition of Traffic Conditions
Distractions, such as texting, phone use, or in-cab technology engagement, divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. This can result in delayed recognition of changes in traffic conditions, such as sudden stops or slowdowns, leading to accidents.
Swerving and Lane Drift
Distractions can cause a truck driver to unintentionally drift out of their lane or make sudden swerves. This behavior poses a significant risk to other vehicles on the road, potentially leading to side collisions or multi-vehicle accidents.
Failure to Detect Obstacles
Distracted driving reduces a truck driver’s ability to scan the road effectively. This can result in a failure to detect obstacles, debris, or hazards in the roadway, leading to accidents, especially in situations requiring quick evasive maneuvers.
Exacerbated Impact of Fatigue
Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue. When combined with distractions, fatigue further impairs a truck driver’s alertness and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Overreliance on In-Cab Technology
While in-cab technology is designed to enhance safety, overreliance or improper use of these systems can contribute to distractions. Drivers may become engrossed in technology, diverting their attention from the road.
Cognitive Overload
Engaging in cognitive distractions, such as deep conversations or daydreaming, can lead to cognitive overload. This mental strain diminishes a truck driver’s ability to process information rapidly and make split-second decisions.
FMCSA Rules Related to Distracted Driving and Truck Accidents in Biloxi
- Use of Handheld Mobile Phones: FMCSA regulations explicitly prohibit the use of handheld mobile phones by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
- Texting while Driving: Commercial truck drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. This includes manually entering text into or reading text from an electronic device. The prohibition extends to both handheld and hands-free devices.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: While not solely focused on distracted driving, the ELD mandate is another significant regulation that indirectly contributes to reducing distractions. ELDs automate the logging of a driver’s hours of service, reducing the need for manual record-keeping and minimizing distractions associated with paperwork.
Leading Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyers Can Prove Distracted Driving Led to Your Injuries
Resourceful lawyers know how to establish a direct link between distracted driving behavior and the occurrence of a truck accident and injuries.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: This may include obtaining the police report, collecting witness statements, analyzing accident reconstruction reports, and obtaining any available video footage.
- Subpoenaing Phone Records and Electronic Data: To prove distracted driving, attorneys may subpoena the phone records of the truck driver involved in the accident. On top of this, electronic logging device (ELD) data can be examined to understand the driver’s behavior leading up to the accident.
- Expert Witnesses: Attorneys may engage expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or technology experts, to provide testimony on the role of distracted driving in the accident.
- Reviewing Company Policies: If the truck driver was operating on behalf of a trucking company, your lawyers will review the company’s policies and procedures related to distracted driving.
Get Legal Representation from a Reputable Biloxi Truck Accident Lawyer
At Boyce Holleman & Associates, our highly rated personal injury attorneys in Biloxi understand the challenges you are facing after being involved in a truck accident caused by distracted driving. With years of experience in handling truck accident cases, we have successfully represented clients like you, obtaining favorable outcomes and just compensation. To set up your free consultation, call 228.338.2691 or reach us online.
