In Ventura County, throughout California and across the United States, it is generally known how dangerous it is to drive while distracted. Even drivers who are paying strict attention to the road are at risk of other drivers who are not so vigilant. This is especially problematic with truckers who are operating large and heavy vehicles. A crash between a truck and a passenger vehicle, a motorcyclist, a bicyclist or pedestrian can result in catastrophic injuries and death. Despite attempts on the part of legislators and law enforcement to discourage drivers from distracted driving, it is still happening. A recent study shows just how common it is.
Study emphasizes ongoing danger of distracted truckers
Omnitracs used video evidence to track truckers and their behaviors. It found that if a trucker was distracted, he or she had almost a 72% higher chance of being in a “near collision” when compared to drivers who were not distracted. It took one year for researchers to accrue its information and come to an analysis. The findings said that truckers who were significantly distracted by a mobile device had double the chance of a crash than drivers who were found to be least distracted. In that “most distracted” group, they had nearly three times the chance to roll through a stop sign instead of stopping.
In addition, if a trucker is prone to distraction, he or she also has a greater tendency to engage in other dangerous behaviors such as surpassing the speed limit by 10 or more miles per hour and not wearing a seatbelt. They also drift from their lane 2.3 times more frequently than drivers who are in the least distracted category. The law states that truckers are required to use a hands-free device, but that is often flouted. Given the 8% rise in fatal road accidents from 2019 to 2020, the number of distracted drivers is concerning for overall road safety.
People injured or who have lost a loved one deserve answers
The problem of motor vehicle accidents due to distracted driving is widespread and has the potential to impact everyone. Even professional drivers are vulnerable to the temptation of checking devices while operating their vehicles despite laws and studies as to how risky it is to themselves and others. With massive medical costs, lost time at work, the emotional aftermath and other challenges that arise after a collision, having experienced assistance can provide guidance with the available options.