Truckers' Nav Systems as Bad as Driving While Texting
People continue to text message and use other portable devices while driving, despite knowing what a dangerous habit it can be. Just look out your window while rolling down the interstate, and you'll see that businessman glued to his BlackBerry or a teenage girl texting away. But glance a little higher, and you might behold an even scarier sight. Truck drivers rely heavily on electronic devices ranging from computers to GPS systems to complete their jobs in a timely fashion. However, The New York Times reports that many lawmakers are pushing for such devices to be banned because of the dangers involved with distracted driving.
A recent study by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute found that truckers who used onboard computers while driving were ten times as likely to wreck. For their part, truckers argue that a dash-mounted computer monitor with a keyboard in the lap is safer to use than an iPhone or similar device because it requires "less concentration." Many of the devices feature a warning to pull over before using, but many truckers simply ignore it due to time constraints. Sure, the argument may make financial sense, but it's not a particularly comforting thought when you're cruising down the highway next to an 18-wheeler.
Let's hope lawmakers decide on regulations and trucking companies agree when they meet in Washington on Wednesday for the Transportation Department's conference on distracted driving. After all, Jerry Reed didn't need all those fancy, shmancy gadgets. [From: The New York Times]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ellieswenson said 8:08AM on 9-30-2009
I heard a story on the news not long ago about an increase in truck accidents on one particular highway, because truckers using their GPS were given the wrong information by the system and were directed onto a road that was for cars only.
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cazzbar2000 said 7:14PM on 9-30-2009
Excuse me but I am on a big truck that my husband drives and believe me when I say that there are 25 times more cars doing stupid things than big rigs. I have seen them on the phones so many times I can not even count ,weaving in and out of traffic,eating,doing work,etc. So let's not just blame the big rigs for everything. As for the computers on the big rigs it is almost required by qualcom. If they pass this law then like all of the other ones out there nothing will get done. For example hands free driving,seat belts,idle laws, etc. No money no enforcement.
King Tut said 7:49AM on 10-01-2009
Most of Quallcomm systems are locked out while vehicle is in motion. They should be anyways. Trucks setup for team drivers are usually unlocked so the co-driver can obtain information and communicate with dispatchers. This is often used by the driver, while in motion. Alot of drivers use common sense while doing this and it's not a hazard, it's the few goofballs with no common sense that make this a problem. I'm a truck driver myself and have had to use these. They are a very valuable tool, and prevent alot of truckers from driving over their alotted hours, making it safer on the road.
I definitely agree with cazzbar2000. Us truckers are already targeted by law enforcement because we are bigger and easier to see. I've witnessed a big truck being pulled over while a female, texting almost side-swiped the officer. (No, I'm not picking on lady-drivers here.) Yet the officer was only focused on the trucker.
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Hakeem Rosario said 4:29AM on 10-05-2009
True driving while texting is really bad. Sometimes it's the main cause of accidents.
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