How Are Distracted Driving Laws Different for Truckers and Motorists?

texting truck driver

You’re probably aware of the dangers of distracted driving, which is cited to be one of the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a driving distraction is considered anything that takes your eyes off of the road, hands off of the wheel, and mind off of driving. Each state has its own variation of distracted driving laws as they pertain to motorists.

In Georgia, for example, distracted driving is generally prohibited. The state defines distracted driving as “performing any activity while driving that could distract you from safely operating your vehicle. This can include talking hands-free on a cell phone, texting, checking the radio and much more”

Distracted driving is unsafe for any driver, however, it can be even more hazardous when a truck driver is participating in this activity. Below, we discuss the specific rules that truckers must follow when it comes to distracted driving.

FMCSA Ban on Texting While Driving a Truck

Truck drivers have a greater responsibility behind the wheel than regular motorists due to the sheer size of the vehicles they drive and the higher-risk loads that they carry. To combat the risk of distracted driving for truckers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enacted stringent rules that truckers must follow when it comes to cell phone usage. It bans:

  • Texting
  • Reading texts
  • Dialing a cell phone that involves more than using one button to begin or end a communication
  • Holding a cell phone while making or receiving a call
  • Requesting access to a web page
  • Using any sort of short messaging service, email, or instant messaging

Proving Distracted Driving Caused Your Truck Crash

As with any distracted driving accident, proving that your trucking accident was the result of distracted driving requires gathering essential pieces of evidence, including:

  • A police report
  • A distracted driving citation
  • Witness statements
  • Cell phone records
  • Dash cam footage
  • Trucker admission
  • Accident reconstruction expert
  • In-cab footage

With that said, proving that your truck accident was the result of a distracted trucker can be difficult by yourself. You should never attempt to handle this type of case on your own, especially when you don’t have to. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we believe in holding negligent parties accountable and vindicating those who have been wrongfully injured.

No matter how complex your case may seem, you have our word that we will build a solid, evidence-backed case on your behalf. Get justice-driven legal advocates on your side by calling (912) 809-5335 at your earliest convenience.

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