Most people know that driving and cell phones are a dangerous combination. However, operating a commercial truck and using a cell phone can be even deadlier. That’s why state and federal laws govern how and when truck drivers can make calls and send text messages.
So, what is the cell phone policy for truck drivers? At Burch Law Firm, answering this question can help you understand your rights in the event of a truck accident. Commercial truck driver cell phone laws are in place to protect you from careless drivers and potentially devastating accidents.
Understanding Cell Phone Policy in Texas
Texas law prohibits all motorists from sending or receiving electronic text messages while driving, and truck drivers are no exception. Beyond state law, federal regulation on cell phone use while driving is set for truckers by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA cell phone policy restricts the use of all handheld mobile devices, meaning commercial motor vehicle drivers cannot hold a phone to make calls or dial a phone number. Truck drivers also cannot text while driving.
What are the Dangers of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can significantly impair an individual’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle. According to FMCSA, dialing a phone takes less than four seconds. A truck going 55 miles per hour can travel 306 feet or the length of a football field in that time. Imagine what can happen over that distance if a truck driver is texting.
In one FMCSA study, researchers identified inattention as a leading cause of truck accidents or near-crashes. They found some sort of driver distraction occurred in the three seconds preceding a collision or near-crash in nearly 80 percent of the cases.
What are the Consequences of Violating Cell Phone Policy?
In Texas, drivers caught texting and driving can face fines between $25 and $99. Those fines can increase if a person is a multiple offender. Penalties are steeper for truck drivers who violate FMCSA commercial truck driver cell phone laws. Truck drivers can see fines of up to $2,750 for violating federal cell phone laws. Employers who allow or require drivers to use hand-held devices can face fines of up to $11,000. Subsequent policy violations may even result in a driver’s disqualification by FMCSA.
Beyond fines, truckers and truck companies can face a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit if they cause an accident while violating cell phone rules.
What are Some Driving Law Exceptions to Talking and Texting?
As always, there are some exceptions to the rules. Truck drivers may use a handheld mobile device when communicating with the authorities or law enforcement or reporting an accident. CMV drivers can also use a hands-free phone if the device is nearby.
Get Legal Assistance for Truck Accidents from Burch Law Firm
Were you injured in an accident caused by a careless truck driver? Getting their insurer or the trucking company to pay for your losses can be an uphill battle. Get help from an experienced truck accident attorney at Burch Law Firm.
Contact us today for a free consultation in New Braunfels.
