What Happens When Commercial Drivers Use Cell Phones?
Commercial truck drivers spend hours alone in the cab of a truck, staring out at a highway they have likely traveled upon numerous times. It can be all too tempting for a driver to pull out his smartphone to stay in touch with friends and family and to generally entertain himself. We all know that cell phone use behind the wheel now extends far beyond simply talking on the phone. When a truck driver uses a smartphone, she may be texting, emailing, browsing social media, watching videos, looking up information on the internet, and much more. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules when it comes to truck drivers and the use of handheld mobile devices. Specifically, a truck driver cannot even hold a phone or make a phone call unless the call only requires the touch of a single button. Drivers are also prohibited from reaching for a phone when it requires them to leave the traditional driving position or remove their seat belt. Commercial drivers are definitely banned from any text-based messaging by both the FMCSA and most state laws, including Virginia. Despite these restrictions, many drivers continue to use a cell phone in a variety of ways while they are behind the wheel of a semi-truck. Such distracted driving can lead to many errors, including:- Failing to recognize slowing or stopped cars
- Losing concentration
- Drifting from lanes
- Overcorrecting after suddenly recognizing a hazard
