States across the US are starting to implement laws in an effort to stop distracted driving. Truck drivers have to follow another set of rules governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They regulate how long a truck driver can be on and off the road and the FMCSA also defines and regulates distracted driving in the trucking industry. Distracted driving is a dangerous practice but distracted truck drivers put private commuters at an even higher risk for severe injury or fatality. Defining Distracted Driving Anyone handling an 18-wheeler that is text messaging is twenty-three times more likely to get in an accident. In the simple act of dialing a cellphone, a truck driver is six times more likely to cause an accident. Distracted driving is not just limited to texting and talking on a cellphone. …show more content…
• Cannot read while driving. • Prohibited from dialing a phone. • Prohibited from holding a cellphone. Pressing more than one button on a cellphone is defined as distracted driving. There have been arguments and studies that indicate hands free devices are distracting and drivers still shift too much focus from operating their vehicle. However, at this time, 18-wheelers are allowed to use hands-free devices because it allows them to keep both hands on the steering wheel. GPS systems track how long a trucker is on the road and can also operate as a hands free communication device. Penalties When truck drivers are not paying attention to driving, they are putting all of us in danger. The FMCSA assesses high financial penalties for any trucker that breaks the rules of the road: • Fines up to $2,750 • Repeat offenders can be suspended for up to 120 days • The parent trucking company or organization can face fines of up to $11,000 Local laws still apply on top of the penalties assessed by the FMCSA. Truck drivers still have to pay for any violation of local laws. Defensive