Distracted driving is among the leading causes for truck accidents across the U.S. Truck drivers are distracted by texting or by the handheld or CB radios that are in their trucks.
The US Department of Transportation has released a comprehensive road safety plan entitled “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving,” amid worrying concern from highway and safety groups from the recent spate of car and truck accidents across the mid-west.
Transport Secretary Ray LaHood said that the plan seeks to reduce road accidents and increase drivers’ safety awareness by addressing the dangers of distracted driving. He called on the public to put an end to the risky behavior he called “an epidemic.”
Although progress has been slow, distracted driving has been one of the leading causes of death in road accidents for 2011. Secretary LaHood has stressed the need to have personal responsibility by putting down cell phones when driving. The plan also involves the passage of stricter laws, driver’s education for the young and vulnerable and support for the campaign to cease distracted driving.
Studies show that the average driver who reads a text message takes his eyes off the road for as long as 4-6 seconds. When driving at 55mph, this is the equivalent of driving blind through an entire football field. In another study, two out of every five American teens have admitted being in a car whose driver has read an SMS or email, in a way which gravely endangered their lives. Thus, the comprehensive plans identify safety education as a remedy especially to those who are at greater risk – almost two of nine crashes in 2009 have been caused by teens.
Distracted driving is among the leading causes for truck accidents across the U.S. Truck drivers are distracted by texting or by the handheld or CB radios that are in their trucks.
Distraction-related accidents are preventable. Distracted driving doesn’t just happen. It’s a choice. More often, the results are simply tragic.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of distracted driving, then call the St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 to discuss your case.
James Hoffmann has been concentrating his practice on helping Truck Accident Victims in the recent years. Request a free and private consultation by filling out our instant contact form.