There are many accidents on the road as a result of distracted drivers. Texting while driving has quickly become a common theme in accidents that involve distracted drivers. The Department of Transportation hopes that a new law banning texting by commercial truck and bus drivers decreases accidents on the road.

Just recently, the Department of Transportation put a new law in effect that bans commercial truck and commercial bus drivers from texting while they are driving. Any who are caught doing so will face possible civil or criminal fines. The fines can total up to $2,750.

The Department of Transportation’s new law will attempt to decrease the use of technology, including cell phones and texting, that is becoming more frequent. Commercial drivers are on the road quite a bit and have dashboard mounted computers as well as cell phones that they use which can sometimes be a distraction if used while driving. The new law hopes to help this. However, it fails to address the use of the dashboard computers, which can also be distracting.

Interestingly, research has shown that texting while driving requires the driver to take their eyes off the road for as long as five seconds. Truckers who text are up to twenty three times more likely to get into an accident than those that don’t.

The new law is an important step towards making the roads safer from distracted drivers.

A driver that is distracted can lead to an increased chance of an accident. It’s a good sign that the government is taking steps to improve safety on the road, but accidents that do occur as a result of a distracted driver can lead to injury. If you have been in the unfortunate situation of being injured in a truck or bus accident, be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your issue.

Being involved in a truck or bus accident can be a stressful situation. It’s a good idea to speak with NJ injury lawyers about your case. New Jersey injury law firms can help you understand your rights and educate you about your situation.