Following its investigation into a truck accident that tragically left 11 dead, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that all cell phone use by truckers, while driving, be banned.
The fatal accident occurred while a truck driver, in the process of making a phone call, drove through a wire barrier and across the median separating Interstate traffic lanes. Proceeding into oncoming traffic, the semi ran straight into a van carrying 12 people on their way to a wedding.
When the metal was untangled, the truck accident resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including the truck driver.
After thoroughly investigating the accident, the NTSB recommended that all cell phone use, including talking with hands-free technology, by truck drivers be banned while driving. The NTSB, which does not have the authority to implement the ban itself, is offering its recommendation to other federal agencies and the legislatures of the 50 states.
Accident statistics released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in April 2011 show that in 2009 (the last year for which statistics are available) there were approximately 286,000 accidents involving semis and other large trucks. While this number indicates a decline of over 100,000 accidents involving semis from 2007, in 2009 there were still nearly 3,000 fatal accidents and approximately 51,000 accidents that resulted in injuries.
Talking on a cell phone while driving is a dangerous activity for any driver to engage in, but this particular distraction is especially dangerous when done by drivers behind the wheel of very large trucks. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a distracted truck driver, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and vehicle repairs.
