Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers Blog

In the last year, vehicle safety officials have banned truck drivers from texting while driving in order to prevent serious traffic accidents, including Georgia trucking accidents.

Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation has banned all truck drivers and bus drivers from using cell phones while driving.

Some may cry that this is a violation of freedoms we enjoy as Americans, but our Georgia trucking accident lawyers
have seen the devastation caused by distracted driving, especially in situations that involved large tractor trailers.

Think about it -- when you are operating a 3,000-pound vehicle and take your eyes off the road for just a second to see who's calling or reach down to pick up your phone, you could easily slam into another vehicle, a pedestrian or hit a guardrail, causing a major pile-up. It happens nearly every day.

Now imagine the devastation caused by a truck driver, operating an 80,000-pound vehicle, carrying large logs, tons of dirt or construction supplies, heavy vehicles or boxes of goods. The devastation can be tragic.

As smartphones become more and more prevalent and provide increased options and tools for users, they are more attractive to use inside the vehicle. For truckers who spend hours on the roads of our nation, they can be an escape from the mundane task of long-haul trucking.

But no more, the Department of Transportation has said. In November, officials implemented a final rule that specifically prohibits interstate truck and bus drivers from using their cell phones at all while they drive.

Texting is certainly a major hazard while driving, but consider that a ban of texting doesn't take into consideration people who want to play a popular game, update their Facebook status or send a tweet out to followers on Twitter. Our phones can do so much that using them while driving can be extremely deadly.

In 2009, the Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Safety Administration reported that nearly 5,500 people died as a result of distracted driving. That's on top of nearly 500,000 who were injured because of texting, calling or otherwise using their phones or being distracted instead of focusing on the road.

But it's not as if truck drivers are the only culprits here. Every day drivers must take more precautions when driving and the National Traffic Safety Board is attempting to help by calling for a ban throughout the country on every driver using cell phones or text messaging while they drive.

Our Georgia truck driving accident lawyers wish everyone safe travel this holiday season and throughout the year. Eliminate distractions, including the use of cell phones and avoid large trucks driven by people who may or may not be following the law regarding texting. Arrive at your destination safely.