With April bring distracted driving awareness month, it is important to note that the concern is not just for motorists operating personal vehicles. Distracted driving could occur no matter the type of vehicle, the time of day or purpose for driving. Thus, truck drivers are just as likely to contribute to distracted driving accidents as motorists driving their personal vehicles.
Federal regulations
As a means to curb fatal truck accidents, federal safety regulations have been passed. Despite these efforts, accidents involving trucks still occur. Some of these accidents are a result of truck drivers or trucking companies violating these regulations, such as hours of service regulations, resulting in a crash caused by a fatigued truck driver.
Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board, the independent federal government agency tasked to investigate transportation crashes, spoke of two of the 10 most wanted safety improvements to be implemented in the next two years. This included limiting how fast trucks can go and the installation of braking systems that will automatically stop the truck before crashing into the vehicle in front of them.
Reducing truck accidents
As a means to reduce truck accidents, the House approved transportation legislation last year. This will give the government a year to set standards for automatic braking systems in trucks, requiring them to be turned on when the truck is being driven. Distracted driving is also a major issue among truck drivers. Funding to states to help enforce laws regarding distracted driving as well as collision avoidance systems could help prevent and mitigate crashes caused by distracted truck drivers.
Truck accidents have the ability to create a serious collision site, involving severe and even fatal injuries. Victims and their loved ones are not only impacted physically by the crash, but could also suffer mental, emotional and financial harm because of it. Thus, it is imperative to consider one’s legal options, such as a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit. These civil actions could help place liability on the party at fault and assist with the recovery of compensation to address the losses and damages suffered.