Roswold Law Group Blog

Trucking Accidents

2/7/2010
James Roswold
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Distracted truckers pose a danger to Missouri motorists

A 2008 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) showed that driver distraction and cell phone use were major factors increasing the risk of truck accidents. Drivers of heavy vehicles were twice as likely as a non-distracted driver to be involved in an accident while talking on a cell phone, they were 5.9 times more likely to be in an accident when dialing a cell phone, 6.7 times more likely to cause an accident when using or reaching for an electronic device and 23.2 times more likely to be in an accident while texting. Obviously distractions are a risk factor for truck accidents.

But, who would have thought to study the effects of watching porn on a laptop?

New York State Police report that a truck driver watching porn on his laptop caused an accident when the 18-wheeler hit a disabled car on the New York State Freeway in December.

The trucker, Thomas Wallace of Brook Park, Ohio is charged with second-degree manslaughter for the wrongful death of 33-year-old Julie Stratton. Ms. Stratton was the mother of two young children.

In addition to driving while distracted, Wallace also violated rules governing the amount of sleep a driver must get.

Distracted drivers are a problem in Missouri and Kansas as well. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, contact the Roswold Law Group immediately. We have experience dealing with the trucking companies and insurance agencies and we will get you the compensation you deserve.

Labels: distracted driving Kansas truck crash Missouri trucking accident trucking companies wrongful death