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Trucking Accidents

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Deadly Distractions: Everyone is in Danger if the Distracted Driver is Driving a Big Rig.

In June 2010, an inattentive tractor-trailer driver slammed into the car in front of him on I-55 in Missouri, killing two people. The driver admitted to taking his eyes off the road. When he realized what was happening, he was not able to stop in time to prevent the accident.

Truck drivers who take their eyes off the road, even for a minute, can cause deadly Kansas City big rig accidents. A fully loaded truck requires more than five times the stopping distance of a passenger car. A few seconds of driver distraction can make a life-or-death difference while driving.

A 2009 study of distracted driving conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) found that tractor-trailer drivers are almost six times more likely to be involved in a serious truck accident if they are dialing a cell phone; they are almost seven times more likely to cause a semi-truck wreck if they are reaching for a phone; and, are 23 times more likely to cause a serious tractor-trailer crash if they are text messaging.

VTTI’s research showed that drivers who were text messaging had their eyes off the road for periods of averaging 4.6 seconds over a 6 second interval. When translated into distance, this equates to a driver traveling the length of a football field at 55 mph without looking at the roadway. How can this be safe?

In January 2010, the federal government formally barred truckers and bus drivers from sending text messages while behind the wheel. But, in many states, using a cell phone while driving a truck is still legal.

Cell phones and texting devices are not the only distractions. A driver distraction is defined as any activity that diverts a truck driver's attention from the driving task. This includes activities such as smoking and eating. In fact, one study suggested that eating is even more distracting than using a cell phone.

If you have or a loved one has been injured in a Kansas City commercial truck accident caused by a distracted truck driver, you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries. Contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 1-888-348-2616 to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City truck accident lawyer.

Get a head start on your personal injury claim; download our free guide “10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.” For valuable information about what you can do to help your case.

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