Drowsy driving and falling asleep behind the wheel are on the decline, but speeding and cell phone use is on the rise among truck drivers, according to customer data unveiled by video telematics provider Lytx. The San Diego-based company’s data also shows that truck drivers are safer than drivers in other commercial fields when it comes to several specific risk categories. The data showed that cell phone use, speeding and drivers not wearing seatbelts increased among truck drivers, there were declines when it came to drivers following other vehicles too closely and responding too late to emergencies.
Researchers also noted that Thursday is the day of the week with the most truck accidents while the time of day with the most crashes was 5 a.m. to noon. Monday was the day of the week with the fewest collisions. Researchers say the data shows drivers get more and more fatigued as the week goes by. Also, a stretch of road in Pennsylvania — Route 309 near Allentown — claimed the top two spots on a list of the top-five riskiest segments in the nation.
Speeding and Distracted Driving
Together, speeding and distracted driving cause a significant number of car accidents. It is illegal under federal laws for truck drivers to talk on a handheld phone or send/receive text messages while driving. Truck drivers are also required to maintain speed limits when they drive, whether it’s on surface streets or freeways/highways. When truck drivers operate at excessive speeds or while distracted, the risk of accidents that result in catastrophic injuries or death increases exponentially.
If You Have Been Injured
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is important that you take a number of steps to help protect your rights. First, make sure you get prompt medical attention for your injuries. Make sure you file a police report. Obtain the name of the truck driver, his or her commercial driver’s license information, the truck’s license plate, name of the trucking firm and if possible, the firm’s insurance details. Try to get photos and videos from the accident scene and contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the accident.
It is important to contact an experienced California truck accident attorney who will help make sure that all crucial evidence such as the truck’s black box, driver logs and other information is carefully preserved and that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
Source: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/drowsy-driving-decline-speeding-cellphone-use-rising-lytx-data-shows
