Every month, distracted driving cuts short more than 275 lives on America’s roads. These aren’t unavoidable accidents they are entirely preventable tragedies. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we have a chance to recommit to life-saving habits, reinforce awareness, and take meaningful steps to end distraction-related crashes.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its Law Enforcement Advisory Board (LEAB) are leading that call to action, reminding all road users particularly those in the trucking industry to stay alert, responsible, and focused every time they’re behind the wheel.
The Impact on the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry plays a vital role in keeping the economy moving, delivering more than 72% of the nation’s freight. But with that responsibility comes risk: large commercial trucks share the same roads as passenger vehicles, often operating under tight schedules and long hours. When distracted driving enters the equation whether it’s a passenger car driver texting near a truck or a commercial driver taking their eyes off the road the consequences can be catastrophic.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes involving large trucks, with distractions inside the cab (like mobile phone use, reaching for items, or operating a GPS) significantly increasing crash risk.
Rules That Keep Truck Drivers Safe
To mitigate these dangers, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are held to a higher safety standard under federal law. Some key rules include:
-Federal Ban on Handheld Devices- FMCSA regulations prohibit commercial drivers from texting or using handheld mobile phones while driving. Violations can lead to fines of up to $2,750 for drivers and $11,000 for employers who allow or require such use. Repeat offenses can lead to disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.
-ELD and GPS Usage- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and GPS units are permitted but must be mounted and operated in a way that doesn’t cause the driver to take their eyes off the road for extended periods.
-Mandatory Safety Training- Carriers are responsible for educating their drivers about distracted driving risks, reinforcing safe practices, and monitoring compliance through telematics, dash cams, and behavior-based coaching.
-Crash Avoidance Systems- Many fleets are equipping their vehicles with collision mitigation systems, lane departure warnings, and driver fatigue detection technology to proactively reduce risks related to distraction and inattention.
Shared Roads, Shared Responsibility
While professional truck drivers are among the most trained and safety-conscious drivers on the road, they’re still vulnerable to the distracted actions of others. A momentary lapse by a nearby motorist can have devastating consequences when it involves an 80,000-pound truck.
That’s why education and awareness must go both ways:
- Passenger vehicle drivers should avoid lingering in truck blind spots, avoid cutting off trucks, and never engage in distracted behaviors near commercial vehicles.
- Parents should model safe, distraction-free driving to their teens especially when sharing roads with larger trucks.
- Policymakers must continue strengthening distracted driving laws and ensuring uniform enforcement that includes all vehicle classes.
ATA’s Commitment to Road Safety
For nearly a decade, ATA has advocated for stricter distracted driving laws, including bans on handheld devices for CMV drivers. But our work goes beyond policy—we engage with communities, regulators, and fellow industries through initiatives like:
America’s Road Team. Made up of elite professional truck drivers, this team shares safety messages and personal stories with the public, policymakers, and schools.
Share the Road Program. Educates motorists on how to drive safely around large trucks and raises awareness of truck-specific issues like blind spots and stopping distances.
National Roadway Safety Strategy. A partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation that unites public and private stakeholders in reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, ATA and LEAB are urging all drivers commercial and personal to make a pledge: Stay focused. Eliminate distractions. Be responsible. For truck drivers, that means continuing to uphold the highest safety standards. For all other drivers, it means understanding the unique challenges trucks face and doing your part to keep everyone safe.
Every glance at a phone or distraction in the cab can have permanent consequences. But every decision to stay alert can help prevent a tragedy. Let’s work together to ensure that no more lives are lost to preventable distractions this month, and every month.
