Tractor Trailer Drivers' Use of Computers Creates Danger of Accidents
Drivers who are distracted because they are talking on their cell phones, sending or receiving text messages or using other cell phone applications have received a lot of publicity. Distracted driving has been found to be the cause of a lot of serious accidents resulting in injuries and death.
In Jacksonville, Florida, it is becoming increasingly common to look over at a driver and see him/her concentrating on a cell phone rather than the road and other vehicles. But many people may not be aware that semi truck drivers may be distracted by something else. Many semi trucks have on-board computers right next to the driver's seat. These computers provide directions for the semi truck drivers and allow them to communicate with dispatchers and others. According to one truck driver interviewed for an article on NYTimes.com, semi truck drivers are told to pull over before using the computer, but they never do. I expect that is true. Most semi truck drivers get paid by the mile, and they often have to meet tight schedules. That kind of compensation structure does not encourage a truck driver to pull over every time he/she wants to use the computer to get directions or send or receive a message.
But the risk of using on-board computers is serious. According to one study, semi truck drivers who use the on-board computers have a 10% greater risk of crashing, nearly crashing or wandering from their lane as opposed to those truck drivers who do not have the computers in their vehicles. The study found that when a truck driver is using the on-board computer, he/she look away from the road for an average of 4 seconds. If that truck driver is driving on the highway, that truck can travel the space of a full football field before the driver's eyes get back to the road.
When you consider the significant potential for damage and injuries when a huge tractor trailer causes an accident on the highway, anything that distracts the driver and increases the risk of an accident must be examined for its legality.
