How big of a problem is distracted driving by truckers?
Up to 40% of all commercial truck accidents are caused by distracted driving. In 2018, there
were 4,832 deaths caused by distracted truck drivers. That number was 4,977 in 2019 and 4,777
The categories of distracted driving tracked by the FMCSA include:
- Talking or Listening to Cellular Phone
- Other Cellular Phone Related
- Using or Reaching For Device/Object Brought Into Vehicle
- Eating or Drinking
- Dialing/Manipulating Cellular Phone a
- Lost In Thought/Day Dreaming
- Adjusting Audio and/or Climate Controls
- Using Other Device/Controls Integral to Vehicle
- Distracted By Other Occupant(s)
- Careless/Inattentive
- Distracted By Moving Object in Vehicle
- Distraction/Careless
- Looked But Did Not See
- Smoking Related
Cell phone use by truck drivers
It’s important to note that the FMCSA prohibits texting and the use of handheld devices by truck drivers. Violations can result in fines, and even suspension of commercial driver’s licenses.
- Drivers who use handheld devices are 4x more likely to be in a serious crash.
- Text messaging increases the risk of a collision by 23 times.
- Cell phone use delays a driver’s reaction time as much as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
How does distracted driving affect truck drivers’ performance?
Distracted driving can slow the driver’s perception of traffic events, resulting in delayed reaction times. Slow reaction times may cause incorrect steering, too much brake pressure or inaccurate accelerator pressure.
What can trucking companies do to reduce distracted driving by truck drivers?
- Require regular distracted driving training for drivers;
- Install distracted driving software which blocks use of social media, streaming video and texting while driving;
- Develop a distracted driving policy and require each employee to sign it, requiring them to agree to follow the policy.
- Enforce their distracted driving policy—and reprimand employees who fail to follow the policy.
- Educate dispatchers: Dispatchers shouldn’t expect immediate responses if drivers are on the road.
- Remind drivers to set their voicemail and call forwarding when on the road.
- Use driver facing cameras to ensure compliance with the safety rules.
If you have been the victim of distracted driving by a commercial driver, Wham & Rogers can help you. We can rapidly respond to a collision in order to download the electronic control module and when necessary, download the phone of the distracted driver. Call 832-592-1108
or text (832) 413-1428
for a free consultation.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. None of the information on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
If you own a vehicle with keyless entry or a "push-to-start" ignition, you need to know about the relay attack.
Intersections and high center of gravity vehicles are associated with dangerous rollover crashes.
Can Parents be Held Liable for Their Child’s Negligence on an E-Bike?
When robot s rule the road, who's responsible for safety?
The crash at the intersection of Lake Woodlands and Grogans Mill knocked the wheels right off the Ford F-150.
On February 18, 2026, an accident involving a motorcycle and two other vehicles occurred on Aldine Westfield Road near Wood River Drive, Fox26 Houston reports. An off-duty officer was operating the motorcycle and was found unresponsive at the scene. Despite the efforts of EMS and firefighters, they were unable to save the deputy. The investigation into the crash is being handled by the Precinct 4 accident investigation team, and all lanes on Aldine Westfield Road were shut down due to the incident. The driver of the vehicle stayed on the scene and was not impaired at the time of the accident. It is not yet clear if the crash was related to the arrest of a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy at the scene, who was charged with DWI.
February 12th, 2026, Houston: An 18-wheeler rollover on Southwest Freeway near Chimney Rock Road blocked multiple outbound lanes, leading to major delays for commuters, KHOU reports. The truck rolled onto its passenger side, crushing a pickup truck and dragging it approximately 100 yards. Fortunately, the pickup truck’s driver escaped unscathed, and there were no reported injuries. Fire officials also noted that the semi-truck did not lose its load during the incident. If you have been injured in a serious truck or 18-wheeler accident in Texas, please call Wham & Rogers for a free consultation at 832-592-1108 .
On February 5, 2026, a dramatic rescue unfolded on Highway 290 near Mason Road in Cypress, Texas, when a woman found herself trapped in her vehicle after a major two-vehicle crash. The crash caused significant delays, with two westbound main lanes on Highway 290 remaining closed. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that when emergency services arrived at the scene, they discovered the woman wedged underneath a truck . This type of accident is called a Side Underride Crash , and car manufacturers face pressure to install additional safeguards. Thanks to the efforts of first responders, the woman was safely removed from her vehicle and taken to the hospital for further care. If you have been injured in a serious car accident in Houston, please call Wham & Rogers for a free consultation at 832-592-1108.
A new video released after a fatal crash in the Texas Panhandle shows a truck on US 87 crashing into four young women from the Houston area. The women had to reduce their speed due to a flat tire, and had turned the hazard lights on. Despite their precautions, an 18-wheeler transporting produce for the San Antonio-based grocery chain H-E-B collided with the Nissan Altima, tragically killing the driver and three passengers. Long hours, insufficient training and lax monitoring make commercial vehicle and big rig accidents all too common on Texas roadways.
On the afternoon of June 28th, a truck driver allegedly fell asleep while driving an 18-wheeler on I-20 east of Dallas , causing him to crash into four cars and three 18-wheelers. This accident resulted in five deaths and an unknown number of injuries. This crash caused I-20 to be closed for several hours on Saturday while the victims were treated and the vehicles were removed from the scene. The driver was arrested the next day after admitting to falling asleep while driving, and is facing five counts of manslaughter along with a count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. 18-wheeler accidents have become a near daily occurrence, putting many drivers at risk. It is important to obtain counsel immediately if you have been in a collision with an 18-wheeler to ensure evidence is preserved and the accident is investigated thoroughly. If you have been injured in a serious 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle accident in Texas, call Wham & Rogers at 832-592-1108 for a free consultation.
