Texting while driving is dangerous. In fact, research by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds they are texting. At 55 mph, this means that a driver travels over 100 yards without looking at the road. While this is dangerous in any vehicle, it is particularly dangerous in a tractor-trailer which weighs over 10,000 pounds. Unfortunately, many injuries and deaths occur each year as a result of drivers who take their eyes off the road while texting. When this happens, you should consult an accident attorney at the Augusta, Georgia office of Burnside Law Firm LLP to learn more about your right to bring a claim or file a lawsuit against the driver for negligence.
Fortunately, recent regulations have been passed to curb this dangerous conduct. On January 26, 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation enacted DOT 14-10 which prohibits truck and bus drivers from sending text messages while driving. This prohibition is effective immediately and applies to drivers of interstate buses and trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Truck and bus drivers caught violating this rule may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties of up to $2,750. For more information concerning federal laws and regulations against texting and other driving distractions go to www.distraction.gov
If you have been injured in an accident which was caused by a truck driver who was texting or otherwise distracted while operating his tractor-trailer, you should contact one of the accident attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free initial consultation – (706-432-8320). We have years of experience handling accident cases and will fight hard to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
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