New rule: truck & bus drivers may not "text" while driving

According to new federal transportation rules announced today, commercial truck and bus drivers may not "text" while driving.  This new rule is effective immediately. 

Recently compiled statistics are a big reason why this new rule was announced.  In 2008, almost 6,000 people died in wrecks involving an inattentive or distrated driver.  More than 500,000 people were injured in these crashes.  Also, according to a recent Virginia Tech study, 80% of crashes are related to driver inattention, and drivers who use phones and devices with texting abilities are four times more likely to cause vehicle crashes.

This new rule will certainly play a role in litigation involving bus and truck accidents.  Lawyers for defendants and plaintiffs will need to update themselves on the details of this rule because if a commercial driver is found to have been texting at the time of a crash, they may be considered automatically liable (the legal term is "negligent per se"). 

If you have any questions about the new ban on texting or truck or bus crashes in general, please contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Vujasinovic & Beckcom.