Have you ever driven by a semi truck and noticed the truck driver was talking on his cell phone? Although truck drivers are not alone in participating in this behavior, they feel they have been singled out by the government.

At the beginning of this year, regulations were changed for interstate truckers, banning the use of hand-held cell phones while at the wheel. This, in part, is due to recent statistics revealing the many distracted driving accidents in Florida and throughout this nation that have occurred.

Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released the following research to support their position banning hand-held cell phones:

  • Truckers who search or reach for their phones are three times more likely to be in an accident
  • Truckers dialing a phone are six times more likely to be in a crash
  • Truckers using hand-held phones have to take riskier steps beyond using hands-free devices

 

Truck drivers who violate the law will face a fine of $2,750, if caught. After two or more violations, truckers may lose their licenses and their companies may face fines of up to $11,000 per violation.

Although this new rule and these penalties went into effect to discourage interstate truck drivers from driving distracted, not all truck drivers and trucking companies are affected by this law.  

If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Sarasota, you will need help making a financial recovery from the truck driver and his insurance company.  Call a knowledgeable Sarasota injury lawyer at Mallard Perez today at (888) 409-3805 for a free, no-obligation discussion of your case. 
Damian Mallard, Esq.
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Board Certified Sarasota Personal Injury Attorney
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