April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
When you share the road with a massive 18-wheeler, you trust that the driver is focused on reaching their destination safely. However, new data shows that distracted driving remains a major threat, especially when it comes to semis, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial trucks. With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, there's no better time to raise awareness about how preventable distractions can lead to devastating truck accidents.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road. It might not sound like a big deal, but when you share the road with a multi-ton truck, even a second of distraction can lead to disaster.
There are three main types of distracted driving:
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Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road. This could be reading a text, looking at a GPS screen, or even checking your side mirrors for too long.
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Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel. Think reaching for a dropped phone, adjusting the radio, or grabbing something from the passenger seat.
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Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving. Daydreaming, stressing about a deadline, or thinking about a phone conversation instead of the road are all examples.
Truck drivers and distractions
Operating a large truck requires constant attention. These vehicles are heavy, take longer to stop, and can cause catastrophic damage in a collision. Unfortunately, distractions like cell phone use are increasingly common among truck drivers.
A survey by Teletrac Navman found that 68% of distracted driving incidents were caused by cell phone use. Whether it's a text, a call, or checking GPS, just a few seconds of looking away from the road can have devastating consequences.
And the impact of these distractions isn’t just personal—it’s affecting the trucking and transportation industry too.
The impact on commercial vehicle companies
According to The Trucker, 70% of companies that operate vehicle fleets have been impacted by distracted driving incidents, and the consequences are more than just vehicle damage:
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49% reported a direct financial cost
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40% experienced operational disruptions
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28% faced safety and compliance breaches
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25% suffered reputational damage
These numbers show how serious the issue has become—not just for trucking companies but anyone sharing the road with commercial vehicles.
Holding trucking companies accountable for distracted driving
When a distracted truck driver causes a serious crash, it’s not always just the truck driver who’s responsible. Trucking companies may also be liable if they failed to hire, train, or supervise their drivers properly, or if they ignored warning signs of unsafe behavior.
For example, a trucking company could be held legally responsible if:
- The driver had a known history of distracted or reckless driving
- The company failed to enforce policies limiting cell phone use behind the wheel
- Driver logs show unrealistic delivery deadlines that encouraged risky behavior
- Telematics data revealed repeated safety violations that went unaddressed
- The company neglected regular monitoring or retraining despite prior incidents
After a serious truck accident, these details matter. That’s why a thorough investigation is critical. At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, our Alabama truck accident lawyers dig deep to uncover the full picture. Our legal team knows how to obtain driving records, black box data, phone logs, and internal company policies—evidence that can make or break a truck accident claim.
We work with crash reconstruction experts, investigators, and industry professionals to determine what went wrong and who should be held accountable. Because in cases involving distracted truck drivers, it’s not just about proving distraction—it’s about proving negligence and responsibility at every level.
Get the legal help you deserve after a serious truck wreck
At Dean Waite & Associates, LLC, we know that a serious truck accident can turn your world upside down. One moment you're going about your day, the next second you're facing a long road to recovery. It’s more than just a legal case to us—it’s your life, your health, and your future.
That’s why we treat every client with the care and respect they deserve. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and guide you through the legal process with compassion and clarity. You won’t get brushed aside or treated like just another case—we’re here to stand by you every step of the way.
Our team has helped countless truck accident victims across Alabama, and we’re ready to fight for you, too. Don’t wait to get answers. Don’t wait to protect your rights. Don't hesitate...call Dean Waite! Contact us today to get started.
"I used them for a wreck I was in that was a total loss && they were amazing. Kept me updated the entire process with everything going on, responded to every message and question I had & we’re such lovely, nice people to work with !! Will definitely recommend them to anyone !!" - Angel T.,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐