If you spend any amount of time driving a vehicle, you probably know how easy it is to succumb to distractions. Any type of distraction can result in an accident. However, truck drivers are sometimes distracted by events or situations that you might not know about as the driver of a car. As such, some truck accidents in which the truck driver seems blameless on the surface may be caused by little-known distractions.
Obvious situations that lead to both car and truck accidents include cellphone use and eating, but there are many others. Let’s discuss two little-known but equally dangerous distractions that many truckers experience behind the wheel.
Using dispatch devices: Like cellphones and other electronics, devices used to communicate with dispatchers can take a driver’s attention away from the road. One study showed that truckers who use these devices while driving have a high risk of involvement in dangerous roadway situations.
Using maps or GPS units: Truckers need to know the best route to get from point A to point B, but checking a map or even a GPS unit can lead to accidents. The study also revealed that truckers who read maps while driving are up to eight times more likely to experience an unsafe situation. GPS devices are safer than maps, but they still increase the likelihood of experiencing danger on the roadways.
The main takeaway here is that although it may not seem obvious that a trucker was distracted, it is wise to have someone investigate a crash thoroughly. In many cases, Texas truck accident victims may seek compensation by proving that trucker distraction caused or contributed to the incident. An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance.