Why Do Truck Drivers Get Distracted?

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

Gaithersburg, MD Truck Accident Lawyer

Any experienced Gaithersburg, MD truck accident lawyer knows all too well that truck accidents often result in life-threatening injuries because commercial trucks are such big and powerful vehicles. While some truck crashes result from bad weather or road conditions, more of them are caused by distracted truck drivers. These drivers spend long hours on the road and and may distracted by one thing or another.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common truck driver distractions:

Cell Phone Use

Whether it is sending a text message or making a phone call, using a cell phone behind the wheel is dangerous. Unfortunately, according to a Gaithersburg, MD truck accident lawyer, some truck drivers use their cell phones to keep in touch with their coworkers, bosses and customers while they are driving. This takes their eyes and attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Truck drivers who need to get in contact with one should wait until they come to a safe stop somewhere.

Eating and Drinking

Truck drivers are often on tight deadlines and don’t always have time to sit down at a restaurant and eat. Many of them eat and drink while behind the wheel to save time. However, this can cause them to take one hand off the wheel and may divert their attention from the road ahead.

Looking at Other Objects

As a skilled Gaithersburg, MD truck accident lawyer will likely tell you, driving for long hours every day can get pretty tedious for truck drivers. That is why some of them look at objects outside their trucks, such as other vehicles and buildings. Unfortunately, taking their eyes of the road for even a few seconds can increase the risk of an accident.

Looking At a Map

Truck drivers who have to driver in familiar may glance at a map once in a while to make sure they are heading in the right direction. However, looking at a map takes their eyes off the road and increases their risk of hitting other vehicles.

Daydreaming

As mentioned before, truck drivers spend many hours behind the wheel. A good  Gaithersburg, MD truck accident lawyer may also suggest that this can get quite boring after a while and cause some drivers to daydream about other subjects. Unfortunately, zoning out can cause drivers to lose focus of the road ahead of them and get into crashes.

Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney

If you were injured in an accident caused by a truck driver, you may be eligible for compensation. Your first step is schedule a consultation with an experience truck accident attorney. He or she can assess your case and determine if you have a good chance of winning your claim or not. If the lawyer determines that you have a strong case, he or she can help you gather important evidence, locate witnesses and negotiate with the insurance company. It’s much is easier dealing with a truck accident claim if you have a skilled attorney on your side.

Call Cohen & Cohen today to set up your free consultation with a trusted Gaithersburg, MD truck accident lawyer.