April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
In the aftermath of a serious truck wreck, blame often falls on the shoulders of the truck driver. The narrative is simple: one driver made a mistake. One person took their eyes off the road. One lapse in judgment led to devastation.
But that narrative misses the bigger picture.
According to a recent Teletrac Navman survey, 70% of fleet operators admit that distracted driving is a current issue among their drivers. And 68% identify cell phones as the leading cause of distraction behind the wheel. These aren’t isolated problems. They’re systemic.
During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it’s worth asking: if trucking companies know distraction is this widespread, why aren’t they doing more to stop it? And more importantly — when a distracted driver causes harm, shouldn’t the company that put them on the road share responsibility?
What the Survey Says About Trucking Industry Norms
The fact that 7 in 10 fleet managers openly admit distraction is a problem suggests the issue is deeply embedded in trucking operations. Despite widespread access to in-cab monitoring systems, driver training programs, and federal regulations banning phone use, distracted driving remains prevalent. That raises questions about how effectively those tools are being implemented — or whether they’re being enforced at all.
According to the survey, the main causes of truck driver distraction are:
- Mobile phone use – 68%
- Eating or drinking – 48%
- Fatigue – 32%
- Stress – 24%
- External distractions – 18%
- Conversing with passengers – 16%
- Using infotainment – 12%
The report says nearly 30% of distracted truck driving incidents involve safety or compliance violations. Distraction in the cab doesn’t just mean a quick glance at a screen. It can involve texting, adjusting route guidance systems, communicating with dispatch, or even eating when behind the wheel. When operating a semi-truck, every second of inattention can lead to a devastating crash.
For Truck Accident Victims, These Stats Are More Than Just Numbers
When someone is injured or loses a loved one in a crash involving a distracted truck driver, the question becomes: What evidence is available to prove distraction? That’s where litigation experience matters. In cases like these, an early investigation can uncover powerful evidence of negligence. But if too much time passes, that evidence can disappear.
Understanding where and how to find that evidence is critical. Lawyers experienced in commercial vehicle litigation routinely rely on a combination of digital records and investigative tools to determine what really happened inside the truck cab before impact.
Here are some of the key sources of evidence that can reveal distracted driving in a commercial trucking case:
- Black Box Data (ECMs): Most tractor-trailers are equipped with event data recorders that capture speed, braking, gear position, and other vehicle metrics before a crash. Sudden deceleration or lack of braking may suggest inattention.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These federally mandated systems track driver hours and duty status. Gaps in records or suspicious time entries can support claims of driver fatigue or distraction.
- Cell Phone Records: Subpoenaed call logs, texts, and data usage can reveal whether a driver was using a phone at the time of the crash — and who they were communicating with.
- Cab Camera Footage: Many fleets now use front-facing and driver-facing cameras. When available, these videos can provide indisputable visual proof of distraction.
- Dispatch Logs and Internal Communications: Records of communication between the driver and dispatch can indicate whether a driver was pressured to meet unreasonable schedules, contributing to distracted or reckless behavior.
Each of these sources can be pivotal in proving fault — but only if preserved in time. Commercial carriers are not required to retain certain records beyond a short window, sometimes as little as six months. Once deleted, those records are gone for good.
That’s why early legal intervention matters. A truck accident lawyer who knows what to look for — and how to demand its preservation — can begin building a case before evidence vanishes. Legal teams well-versed in federal trucking regulations and fleet protocols can also compare a company’s internal practices to industry standards, exposing gaps in enforcement or training that contributed to the crash.
A Culture of Distraction — and a Path to Accountability
The trucking industry’s own data paints a concerning picture: distracted driving isn’t rare, it’s routine. And while safety campaigns and technology play a role in prevention, real change often comes only after companies are held accountable through the civil justice system.
Truck accident victims and their families don’t need to take on this process alone. Those dealing with life-altering injuries — or the aftermath of a fatal truck crash — deserve to work with lawyers who understand the trucking industry inside and out.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, our attorneys have built a national reputation for handling complex truck accident cases. Our results include a $1.94 million outcome for the victim of a distracted truck driving accident in Georgia. Our legal team also co-authored Understanding Motor Carrier Claims, a leading national resource on truck accident litigation, and routinely collaborates with other law firms on high-stakes commercial vehicle cases. From Atlanta to the Northeast, the Gulf Coast to the Midwest, our law firm has handled high-stakes trucking cases in over 40 states.
If a distracted truck driver caused you or someone you love serious harm, don’t wait to take action. Legal deadlines apply, and key evidence may already be at risk of being lost. Contact Fried Goldberg LLC today for a free consultation. Our office is located in Atlanta, and we serve clients nationwide.
“These attorneys are incredible! Their results speak for themselves. Attorneys from all across the country refer serious injury claims to the firm, trucking, commercial vehicle, and other complex litigation. They truly give back to the legal community through education, support, and advice to attorneys.” – Russ D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐