Truck drivers play an important role in the economy of our country. The more trucks you see on the roads, the stronger the economy. Driving a truck can be rewarding and dangerous all at the same time. Truck drivers are required to follow certain drive-time rules in order to stay fresh and alert behind the wheel. Below are some of the dangers posed by a distracted truck driver.
Sleepiness, or drowsiness, is very dangerous when it comes to truck drivers. Truck operators are required to rest every so often during their trip in order to avoid falling asleep at the wheel. Being drowsy or sleepy is a type of distracted driving because it takes the driver's focus off the road, even if it's just for a fleeting moment.
A distracted truck driver poses many dangers to not only himself, but also to those around him on the road. One of the biggest dangers of a distracted truck driver is speed. Any driver who takes their eyes of the road can lose track of their speed in an instant. It's not hard to press down on the gas pedal and accelerate the truck. When not paying attention, the increased speed of a truck can lead to tragic accidents, especially on crowded roads.
A distracted truck driver can also lose track of his or her load. If the driver does not know that items are falling off the back of the truck while in motion, an accident could occur. The load of a truck is supposed to be secured prior to leaving the depot. If it comes unsecured or shifts during transport, the truck could roll onto its side or items could fall off, hitting other vehicles around it.
Distracted driving by truck drivers is a serious danger on the roads of Pennsylvania. Too many accidents are caused by distracted truck drivers. An experienced motor vehicle accidents attorney can answer all of your questions regarding trucking accidents in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Source: National Safety Council, "Distracted Driving: One Call Can Change Everything," accessed April 20, 2017