Federal Ban on Texting While Driving for Commercial Truck Drivers
Texting while driving is a serious distraction for drivers. On January 26, 2010, the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a federal ban on texting while driving for commercial vehicle truck drivers.
Designed to make the roads safer, the ban on truck drivers texting while driving can significantly reduce distracted driving. Violation of this federal ban could result in civil penalties or criminal penalties up to $2,750.
Dangers of Texting While Driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that when a driver is texting while driving, on average their eyes are not on the road for approximately 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds.
Additionally, a driver is 20 times more likely to be involved in an accident if texting while driving compared to a driver who is not distracted. Clearly, this type of distracted driving poses a significant danger, and the danger is amplified for a truck driver travelling at high speeds.
If you have suffered injuries from a truck accident in Georgia, seek legal counsel to learn about your rights. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer will examine your case, including any evidence that will be helpful, such as a police report indicating the truck driver was texting while driving. While you recuperate, an Atlanta truck accident lawyer will build a substantial case to help you recover damages.
Contacting an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a truck accident or some other type accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you deserve to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case - 404-842-7838.