Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving
The average tractor-trailer weighs about 80,000 pounds, more than 20 times the weight of the average automobile. The tractor trailer will take nearly 550 feet to make an emergency stop. The average car or small truck takes about 315 feet to stop. Federal traffic officials say nearly 95 percent of traffic crashes stem from distracted driving. What do all these numbers mean? Simply, distracted driving poses a serious danger to life, limb and property. However, experts say taking some simple precautions to avoid both distracted truck driving and distracted driving in cars can prevent most crashes, like putting away your phone. FMCSA Establishes Traffic Regulations for Trucks The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bars CMV drivers from both reaching for mobile devices or using them during driving. Drivers are also prohibited from pressing more than one button on mobile devices while driving. However, they may use hands-free devices to communicate provided t...