Driver inattention caused by texting or talking on a cell phone is a growing concern on highways, particularly when it involves commercial truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enacted strict regulations to combat this issue, including prohibiting texting and the use of hand-held mobile devices by commercial drivers while operating their vehicles. These regulations are aimed at reducing distracted driving, a major contributor to truck accidents nationwide. Despite these rules, many truck drivers continue to engage in unsafe behaviors, putting themselves and others at serious risk.

Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving diverts a driver’s attention from critical tasks such as monitoring traffic, maintaining lane position, and reacting to sudden changes on the road. At highway speeds, even a two-second distraction can cause a truck to travel the length of a football field without the driver fully focused. This dramatically reduces reaction time, leading to a higher likelihood of rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, or lane-departure crashes.

In addition to violating FMCSA regulations, distracted driving often highlights a pattern of negligence. Trucking companies are required to enforce strict policies regarding mobile device usage, and failure to do so can expose them to significant liability. Moreover, inadequate driver training or failure to screen for previous violations can exacerbate the problem, making employers equally culpable. These dangerous practices not only violate federal safety standards but also lead to devastating consequences for innocent motorists, highlighting the critical need for accountability in the trucking industry.