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Massachusetts Truckers And Distracted Driving | North Dartmouth Truck Accident Lawyer

While 21 other states have passed distracted driving laws, cell phone bans, and texting bans, Massachusetts lags behind. As of January 2010, Massachusetts law only bans school bus drivers from using mobile devices while behind the wheel. However, a new federal law went into effect this month that prohibits all commercial truck drivers from text messaging while driving. Government officials hope that this ban will cut down on big rig distracted driving and reduce the number of truck accidents, truck accident injuries, and truck accident fatalities.

Unfortunately, for tractor-trailer drivers, distracted driving does not end with cell phone text messaging and police forces are still unsure of how to effectively enforce mobile phone bans and other distracted driving laws. In fact, the trucking lifestyle and the trucking industry both promote distracted driving habits. Did you know that while you are sharing the road with truckers in SouthCoast Massachusetts truck drivers could be:

• Using an onboard computer.
• Reading a book, paperwork, or map.
• Talking on a cell phone or CB radio.
• Using a laptop to surf the internet or watch movies.
• Grooming.
• Eating.

Federal trucking regulations allow truck drivers to stay on the roads for 11 consecutive hours per day for up to eight days in a row. This means that many truckers carry out their lives from behind the wheel by talking, eating, reading, and conducting business while they are driving 80,000-pound big rigs. While many of these activities are restricted or discouraged by either federal laws, state laws, or the trucking industry, these distractions still cause truck accidents each day on our highways and interstates. Just last month, a texting commercial trucker rear-ended a school bus and killed a 13-year-old girl. Two months ago, a truck driver killed a motorist while he was watching pornographic movies on his laptop while he was driving on a major highway.

Many do not know that truckers may also be conducting business while driving by using their onboard computers. Truckers regularly check their onboard devices in order to receive updates about their route and loads and to communicate with their managers and docks. While truck companies have policies requiring their truckers to pull off of the road and come to a stop before using the computers, a survey of truckers tells a different story: the majority of truckers use onboard computers while traveling at high rates of speed.

Due to the sheer size, height, and weight of trucks, truck accidents are significantly more dangerous and deadly than other types of motor vehicle accident. Those who are involved in truck accidents are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic head injuries, spinal chord injuries, and severe internal injuries. These truck accident injuries can result in considerable medical expenses and drastically change the course of a life. If you have been injured in a Massachusetts truck accident that involved distracted driving, you may deserve compensation for your injuries and other damages. Even if you are unsure whether or not you have a viable personal injury case, the best way to find out is to discuss your case with an experienced MA truck accident lawyer. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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