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Texting, Computer Use Common Contributors to Trucking Accidents
Learn more about efforts to reduce dangerous distracted driving by commercial vehicle operators in New York.
November 12, 2011 /Law and Legal PR News/ -- The days when a cell phone was just for talking are long in the past. Now, most electronic mobile devices more closely resemble minicomputers than the telephones many of us grew up using.
There is no doubt that features like texting, mobile Internet capabilities and cell phone GPS can help make our lives easier and keep us connected to the broader world around us. But in some situations, this focus on an electronic environment can be deadly to those nearby in the real world. Truck drivers and other operators of commercial vehicles have a special responsibility to other motorists to pay attention to the road, considering the potentially catastrophic results when a large rig strikes a passenger automobile. When truckers or other motorists text, browse the web or use a handheld computer for any purpose behind the wheel, everyone on the road is endangered.
Law Firms, Police Officers, and Policymakers All Work To Combat Electronic Distraction in New York
There are many individuals and entities who can help address distracted driving behaviors by commercial drivers in the Empire State, albeit in different ways. For instance, New York auto accident lawyers can help those injured as a result of behind the wheel distraction hold negligent drivers and the trucking companies that employ them responsible for monetary damages that arise out of accidents.
Law enforcement organizations also have an important role to play by issuing citations and filing accurate accident reports when drivers violate distracted driving laws. In early 2010, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a nationwide ban on texting while operating a commercial vehicle, with fines for violations climbing as high as $2,750. New York State has its own more stringent requirements for drivers operating within its borders: no one may legally talk on a handheld phone while driving except to report an emergency, and the use of any portable electronic device (including PDAs, laptop computers, two-way messaging devices and electronic games) to view, send, retrieve or save any kind of data (including texts) or images or to play a game is strictly prohibited.
The promulgation of new regulations is another way to curb dangerous behind the wheel distractions; changes in this arena may be forthcoming shortly, as the National Transportation Safety Board recently made a recommendation to regulators to implement a nationwide ban on all cell phone use, including hands free use, by any commercial driver. In addition, government agencies can help increase awareness about the dangers of distracted driving through a variety of mediums, such as the popular educational website distraction.gov.
Distracted Driver Accountability for Victim Injuries
Of course, the ultimate responsibility for safety behind the wheel of a truck, semi, tractor-trailer or any type of large commercial vehicle rests with the driver. Driver distraction is reported as a factor in more than one out of every five motor vehicle crashes that cause injury. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a truck driver's inattention, contact a motor vehicle accident attorney to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Article provided by O'Connor, O'Connor, Bresee & First, P.C.
Visit us at www.upstatenyautoaccidentinjurylaw.com
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