As the economy thrives, you may see commercial trucks lining Georgia roads at all hours of the day and night. The trucking industry is responsible for millions of tons of goods crisscrossing the country each year. They transport everything from sneakers and lumber to salsa and home goods. At Sams, Larkin, Huff and Balli, LLP, our team often represents clients catastrophically injured in a crash with a big rig due to distracted driving.
According to Heavy Duty Trucking, it is illegal for interstate truckers to text or use a handheld cell phone while driving. While the use of technology while behind the wheel has significantly increased in recent years, distracted driving is not new. Truck drivers take many steps to ensure they pick up or deliver their load on-time. As a result, eating behind the wheel, setting the radio or A/C and other distractions occur.
Technology is everywhere. Navigation devices, fleet workflow devices, in-cab communication systems and fuel economy coaching instruments contribute to the loss of focus on the road as well as smartphones and tablets. Trucking fleets often implement safety strategies that bring attention to distracted driving. Training may include an emphasis on defensive driving techniques, and vehicles have safety features that help reduce distractions. However, no program has perfect results.
Giving semi-trucks extra room can help you identify potential issues and prevent a collision. If you sustain injuries due to a distracted driver or negligence of a trucking company, you may have grounds for a claim. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.
