Driving a tractor-trailer is not an easy job. Truck drivers have many things to take into account while behind the wheel. Due to the size of a big rig, drivers must be ever aware of the other vehicles that are in their vicinity. Should they have to come to a quick halt, they must be able to do so without causing a collision.
This means that truckers must do what they can to keep their distractions to a minimum. Should their attention wander too far from the task at hand, the result could be a serious accident. Therefore, truck drivers should follow all applicable rules regarding the use of cell phones or other mobile devices while on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published rules that place restrictions on texting while driving a truck. Specifically, while driving a commercial motor vehicle, a driver cannot read text from, or enter text into, an electronic device.
Truck drivers who are caught engaging in texting can be fined. A truck driver could be disqualified by the FMCSA for multiple texting offenses. But even with the potential for such penalties looming, some truck drivers may still decide to text while driving.
A passenger car could easily be destroyed if struck by a fast moving tractor trailer driven by a distracted driver. Occupants of the smaller vehicle may suffer catastrophic, life-altering injuries. The cost for treating such injuries could be enormous.
If you are ever injured in a truck accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you may have grounds for a civil suit due to negligent driving. An Illinois attorney could investigate your case and may be able to help you get a fair level of compensation.