Truckers Texting in Texas: Dangerous & Illegal

For Texas truckers, the cab of their big rig is also their office. Unfortunately, this means that, instead of focusing on safely driving their 18-wheeler, some truck drivers may be talking on a cell phone, using an on-board computer, having a snack, or sending and receiving texts. Some of these activities are now illegal under federal law, and all of them can lead to distracted driving, serious injuries, and devastating Texas truck wrecks.

Just how dangerous is texting while operating a commercial vehicle? According to a study conducted by the Transportation Institute's Center for Truck and Bus Safety, texting truckers are 23 times more likely to cause an accident while sending and receiving text messages. In fact, just reaching for a mobile phone while driving increased the chances of an accident 6.5 times, while dialing a cell phone raised traffic accident risks 5.4 times.

Simply put, the researchers concluded that text messaging requires truckers to take their eyes of the road and their hands off the wheel to focus on their mobile device.

What did the federal government do in response to this study? At the start of 2010, United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a federal ban on text messaging for all commercial truck drivers and all bus operators. While some applauded the new law that carries heavy fines, others criticized the fact that the law is difficult to enforce or the fact that it allowed non-commercial drivers to continue the dangerous practice. Others point out that the ban does not include other dangerous driver distractions for truckers, such as talking on cell phones or using on-board computers while on the road.

While a large number of states have banned texting behind the wheel for all drivers, Texas only bans those 18 years of age and younger from texting while driving.

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a Texas truck accident that could have involved illegal text messaging or distracted driving? Speak to a Houston truck accident attorney today about whether or not you could have a viable personal injury case.