Distracted driving is a major issue for all motorists and often leads to serious car accidents. One of the most common forms of distracted driving is cellphone use, whether that involves texting while driving or using a phone for other purposes, such as streaming music, checking social media or taking photos.
It is especially important for professional truck drivers to understand that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration expressly prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while operating a commercial vehicle. While there are limited situations in which drivers may use hands-free devices to communicate, such as systems that require pressing a single button, truck drivers should never use a handheld cellphone while driving.
Different types of cellphone use
It is also important to note that the FMCSA does not prohibit only one specific activity, such as texting while driving. Instead, it bans multiple forms of cellphone use, including:
- Holding a cellphone in one hand
- Pressing multiple buttons to dial a number
- Reaching for a phone or taking it out of a pocket
In other words, even when using a hands-free device, everything should be set up in advance so the driver only needs to press a single button to take a call. This allows truck drivers to communicate with dispatchers or other drivers without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road.
Seeking compensation after truck accidents
Unfortunately, drivers sometimes violate these regulations, leading to serious truck accidents caused by distracted driving. Those who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in such accidents need to understand what legal steps they can take to seek financial compensation.