Distracted driving – in particular distractions caused by electronic devices – has become such a prevalent cause of traffic crashes that it is being called an “epidemic”. Research indicates that truck drivers are not immune from these types of distractions. According to one major study, text messages on cellphones posed a greater safety threat than any other type of truck driver distraction. Another study found that truck driver distraction and inattention was a factor in nearly a fifth of crashes.
In 2012, the FMCSA passed new regulations forbidding the use of any hand-held cell phone by a commercial truck driver.
