The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created numerous rules for commercial truck drivers. The goal is generally to reduce the likelihood of accidents and increase safety, both for the truck drivers and for those who share the road with them.
One such rule is that drivers are not allowed to use handheld phones. A truck driver should never reach to pick up a phone or hold it in their hand while carrying out a conversation. They certainly should not use their phone to take pictures or videos, browse social media or send and receive text messages. The entire time that the driver is behind the wheel, both hands should be on the wheel and their eyes should be on the road.
How can they communicate?
The complication is that truck drivers have to communicate as part of their job. They may have to call other drivers, dispatchers or workers at the location where they are supposed to make a pickup or a drop-off.
Drivers are often allowed to use hands-free devices. These may be integrated into the trucks themselves, so the driver can speak over the truck’s internal speaker system. Their phone can be set up with a one-button system that they can push to receive a call, and they never have to hold the device in their hand. They are essentially just using the truck as a speakerphone system so that they can still communicate effectively without running the risk of distracted driving.
Have you been injured in an accident?
Unfortunately, not all truck drivers perfectly adhere to these regulations. If you have been injured in an accident that a distracted driver caused, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills and other damages.