The Rising Trend of Distracted Driving in Truck Accidents

You’ve probably seen it yourself: an 18-wheeler drifting in its lane, the driver glancing down at something in the cab, or maybe a rig stopping just a second too late. With smartphones in nearly every hand and trucking companies forcing truckers to maximize productivity, distracted driving among commercial truck drivers is becoming more common and more dangerous.

Distracted driving is now one of the leading causes of serious truck accidents (both in North Dakota and across the US). And because trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the consequences for you (as someone sharing the road) can be immense.

Let’s take a closer look at why distracted driving is rising among truckers, how it impacts accident rates, and what your legal options are if you’ve been hurt in one of these crashes.

What is distracted driving, exactly?

Distracted driving goes beyond texting behind the wheel (although that’s a big part of it). It includes anything that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or focus away from the road.

There are three main types of distraction:

• Visual – taking your eyes off the road
• Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive – taking your mind off driving

Like the rest of us, truck drivers are susceptible to all three. But because of their vehicle size, speed, and blind spots, even a brief distraction can have tremendous implications.

Why are truck drivers getting more distracted?

There are a few big reasons why distracted driving is becoming more common in the trucking industry:

1. Long hours behind the wheel

Truckers can legally drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour shift under federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules. That’s a long time to stay focused, and fatigue reduces your ability to focus. Some drivers turn to phones, food, or entertainment to stay alert, but these create their own dangers.

2. Pressure to meet tight deadlines

Many trucking companies operate on just-in-time delivery models. Drivers are under pressure to stay on schedule, even when they’re tired, stressed, or in heavy traffic. That can lead to multitasking while driving (checking dispatch messages, looking at GPS, or even logging hours while moving).

3. In-cab technology

Modern trucks are loaded with electronics: GPS systems, communication tablets, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and company software. These tools are supposed to help, but they often distract drivers with beeps, screens, and messages.

4. Smartphones

Despite federal bans on texting or handheld phone use, some drivers still use smartphones for calls, apps, and even social media. It’s illegal, but not uncommon, especially on long, empty stretches of highway.

Distracted truck driving by the numbers

Let’s look at the data.

• The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) estimates that driver distraction is a factor in nearly 1 out of every 10 large truck crashes.
• A truck driver who texts while driving is 23 times more likely to cause a crash or near-crash.
• In 2023, over 3,200 people were killed in distracted driving accidents, and a significant percentage involved commercial vehicles.
• In North Dakota, distracted driving is a leading cause of highway fatalities, many involving semis.

And here’s the scariest part: These numbers are almost certainly underreported. Unless the driver admits it (or you catch it on video), proving distraction after a crash can be tough.

Real-world dangers: How distracted truck driving hurts you

When a distracted trucker crashes, the people in the smaller vehicle almost always suffer the worst injuries. You may be dealing with:

• Spinal cord or brain trauma
• Broken bones or internal bleeding
• Long-term disability
• Chronic pain
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• Lost income from missing work

These injuries can change your life in an instant. And when a truck driver’s moment of inattention is to blame, you have the right to hold them (and possibly their employer) accountable.

Is distracted driving illegal for truck drivers?

Yes, absolutely.

Federal law bans all commercial drivers from:

• Texting while driving
• Using handheld phones
• Reading or typing messages
• Using dispatching devices unless voice-activated

Violating these rules can lead to:

• Fines of up to $2,750 for drivers
• Fines of up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require phone use
• Potential disqualification from commercial driving

Despite the law, enforcement can be tricky. Many truckers use hands-free systems or just don’t admit to being distracted unless there’s clear proof.

How can you prove a truck driver was distracted?

After a crash, proving distraction can be the key to winning your personal injury case. But you’ll need evidence, and that’s where an experienced attorney can make all the difference.

Here’s what we look for at Larson Law:

• Cell phone records – call logs and text timestamps
• In-cab camera footage – many trucks now have dash cams or cabin-facing cameras
• ELD logs – to see if the driver was entering data or on an unscheduled break
• Witness statements – from you, passengers, or nearby drivers
• Police reports – sometimes note signs of distraction
• Black box data – shows speed, braking, and steering at the time of impact

If we can show that the driver took their eyes or hands off the road (and that distraction caused the crash), you may be entitled to full compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. However, accessing evidence requires that you act quickly. For instance, trucking companies are only required to hold onto ELD logs for six months.

Who’s liable in a distracted truck driving crash?

Depending on the case, more than one party may be held liable, including:

• The driver, for negligent behavior
• The trucking company, for failing to enforce safety rules or pressuring the driver
• Third-party dispatchers or software providers, if their tools contributed to the distraction

North Dakota follows a modified comparative fault system. That means as long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, although your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What should you do after a truck accident?

If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial truck, here’s what to do right away:

• Call 911 and get medical help, even if you feel fine at first
• If possible, move the vehicles out of the travel lane(s)
• Document the scene with photos and videos if you’re able
• Get the driver’s and company’s info (name, license, DOT number, insurance)
• Don’t talk to their insurance company without legal advice
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible

The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and holding the right people accountable.

You deserve to drive without fear

You shouldn’t have to worry that the truck behind you is being driven by someone watching TikTok or responding to dispatch messages. But sadly, distracted driving is a growing trend, and it’s putting lives at risk.

If a truck driver’s lack of attention caused your accident, you don’t have to carry the burden alone. At Larson Law, we can help you uncover the truth, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Hurt by a distracted truck driver? Call Larson Law

We’ve seen how devastating these crashes can be, and we’ve helped people across North Dakota. If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a commercial truck, don’t wait. Contact Larson Law for a free consultation today.