Truckers Texting While Driving

Yesterday I read a story about a study performed by The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that says truckers are 23 times more likely to get in a wreck while texting.

One thing that the study did was confirm what many of us would consider to be common sense. Whether it’s texting, talking on a cell phone, changing channels on the radio or just looking around at the scenery as it goes by, distraction while is not advisable and can assist in causing accidents.

What surprises me is that these are suppose to be ‘Professional Truckers’ and you would think that they would realize that the most important part of their job is driving. Safety is suppose to be one of their highest priority.

As a Small Business Technology Advisor my advice has been that employees should never be texting while driving and I also advise that any use of cell phone while driving should be kept at a minimum. I discuss this on my technology blog SMBTechTips.com.

I wonder though if in any of these cases where it has been confirmed that texting was a factor in the accident whether the company they were working for had a texting or for that matter any type of Technology Use Policy. Probably not.

I know that there are many who believe that policies that dictate common sense behavior aren’t necessary. But as one can see when reading about accident after accident that have cell phones, text messaging and other use of personal electronic equipment, these policies are necessary.

And may even need to be dictated by State Laws. My home State of Maryland has passed a text while driving law that beginning in October makes it illegal to text while driving. A good first step. Too bad that they haven’t address talking on the cell phone.