Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on America’s roads for cars and commercial vehicles. But when it involves semi-trucks, the results are often tragic. Due to their massive size and weight, semi-trucks require more stopping distance and are harder to maneuver, making any distraction behind the wheel a serious threat.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including using a phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even interacting with GPS systems. While distracted driving is dangerous for any motorist, it poses an even greater risk when it involves professional truck drivers operating vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted truck driving is a significant factor in truck crashes, contributing to thousands of collisions each year, and even a momentary lapse in focus can result in devastating consequences for all involved.
The data shows a clear and troubling link between distracted driving and semi-truck accidents. In a 2021 report by the FMCSA, it was found that distracted driving contributed to approximately 8% of all fatal crashes involving large trucks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reported that distracted driving claims the lives of over 3,000 people each year across all types of vehicles, with large trucks responsible for a significant portion of these accidents.
These numbers highlight a growing problem. Despite regulations prohibiting the use of handheld devices by truck drivers, distracted driving remains an issue, affecting countless families who are left to deal with the aftermath of tragic collisions.
While most truck drivers are responsible and follow the rules of the road, several factors contribute to distracted driving in the trucking industry:
Distracted driving is not just a driver’s issue—it’s a public safety crisis. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, truck drivers are increasingly tempted to use phones or other devices while driving.
Studies have shown that the rate of semi-truck accidents linked to distracted driving has risen steadily in recent years, with some states seeing spikes in fatal crashes involving large trucks.
In Ohio, trucking corridors like I-70, I-75, and I-80 are frequently the sites of accidents involving semi-trucks. Distracted driving is a key factor in many of these crashes. If current trends continue, the number of distracted driving-related truck accidents is likely to increase, placing more lives at risk.
With distracted semi-drivers on the road, the outcomes can be devastating. For instance, in November 2022, a tragic incident occurred in Wayne Township, OH, where a semi collided with a farm tractor at U.S. 42 and Cedar Hill Road. The impact ejected the 63-year-old tractor driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi-truck driver was trapped and later airlifted to the hospital. Investigators believe distracted driving may have been a factor.
This is just one of many examples highlighting how a momentary lapse in attention can result in irreversible consequences for victims and their families. These incidents stress the need for accountability. Truck drivers and companies must be held responsible for preventable accidents caused by distractions, especially when they lead to such tragic losses.
Several regulations are in place to address the issue of distracted driving in the trucking industry. The FMCSA’s prohibition on using handheld devices while driving is designed to minimize distractions for truck drivers.
Drivers violating this rule face steep fines and potential disqualification from operating commercial vehicles. In addition, trucking companies are increasingly adopting in-cab technologies that monitor driver behavior. These systems can alert companies if a driver uses a phone or engages in other distracted activities, allowing for real-time intervention.
Truck drivers play a critical role in maintaining road safety. At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we advocate for safer driving practices and urge truckers to adopt the following:
At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our truck accident legal team strongly believes in holding both truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for distracted driving. When negligence leads to serious injuries or fatalities, victims deserve justice and fair compensation. Our attorneys are dedicated to representing those affected by semi-truck accidents and ensuring that responsible parties are held liable.
By advocating for stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws and supporting victims in their legal battles, we aim to make Ohio’s roads safer for everyone.
Distracted driving among truck drivers is a growing threat to road safety, but also preventable. By raising awareness, enforcing stricter regulations, and holding negligent drivers and companies accountable, we can reduce the number of accidents caused by distractions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident involving distracted driving, don’t wait to act. Contact Ohio Truck Accident Help for a free consultation, and let us help you. Together, we can secure compensation for your losses and work towards a future with fewer preventable accidents.