Distracted Drivers Are Not Just Limited to Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Distracted driving is not limited to only passenger vehicle and their motorists. Distracted driving is also the leading cause of accidents involving commercial truck drivers. The consequences when in comes to collisions with commercial truck drivers can be far more severe when the driver of a large tractor-trailer engages in distracted driving.
Most commercial truck drivers face long hauls and tedious shifts and are tempted to pass the driving time by using their cellphones, iPads or other electronic devices. In addition to these distractions, truck drivers also engage in the following dangerous distractions including:
1. Eating or drinking. Most truck drivers turn to food or caffeine as a means of staying awake on a long route. Reaching for a cup of coffee or a food item requires drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Spilling a hot coffee or other beverage can become a dangerous distraction.
2. Using a GPS. Even truckers can get lost. Using a GPS system while operating a transport vehicle can be dangerous and can lead to a collision as a driver takes their eyes off the road.
3. Long hauls can lead to daydreaming behind the wheel. Commercial vehicle drivers are susceptible to daydreaming because they are usually alone in their vehicles for an extended length of time.
4. Listening to music. Many long-haul drivers rely on the radio and CD player to keep them entertained. Listening to entertainment can be as distracting as talking on the phone. Many drivers can become engrossed in what is on the radio, resulting in a lack of focus on the road.
The distracted driving laws in Canada apply to all drivers, including commercial truck drivers. Many transport companies who employ long haul drivers have banned cell phone use while driving. Transport companies found that cell phones were used to pass the time and rarely used for an emergency or part of their job requirement. Distracted driving is universal, and all motorists need to take responsibility when it comes to keeping the roadways safe.