Missouri Truck Accident Blog

Federal Texting Ban Takes Effect for Truck Drivers

The federal government has issued a ban on texting while driving, especially targeted at commercial truck drivers and bus drivers. According to a news report in USA Today, the new restrictions will take effect immediately and apply to interstate truckers and operators of vehicles carrying at least eight passengers. Those who violate this new rule could face penalties of up to $2,750. So far, 19 states and the District of Columbia prohibit texting while driving for all drivers.

Distracted driving is one of the biggest traffic safety issues we have on our roadways today. It is unsafe for all drivers – whether they are driving a compact car or an 18-wheeler – to text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Recent studies show that those who text while driving, take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. A vehicle traveling at highway speed can traverse the length of two football fields within that time.

However, when drivers of large trucks and commercial buses text, they are putting many more lives in danger than just their own. When the driver of a large big rig takes his eyes off the road, it can result in catastrophic accidents that have the potential to cause major injuries or deaths. Federal officials have themselves admitted that this is a tough law to enforce. But, it is a good first step, especially considering the devastation that distracted truckers have brought on the traveling public.

If you have been the victim of a serious truck accident – whether it is due to a distracted, reckless or negligent driver – please contact a skilled Missouri big rig accident lawyer who will analyze your case thoroughly and make sure you secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Call Page Cagle today for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your claim. We can help.

Source:http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-01-26-texting-driving-commercial-ban_N.htm

Fatal Missouri Truck Accident

A truck driver was killed in a tractor-trailer accident on Missouri Highway 116 after he hit a jackknifed big rig. According to a report in the St. Joseph News-Press, a 45-year-old driver lost control of his 2000 International tractor-trailer on the snow-covered road. His truck then crossed the centerline, struck a rail on a bridge, and jackknifed in the road. The tractor-trailer was then hit by another big rig which was being driven by a 35-year-old man. The 35-year old big rig driver was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the collision. The driver of the truck that crashed initially was not injured.

A number of truck accidents in Missouri this month are being caused by truck drivers who are not exercising caution while driving on snow-covered roads. Officials say excessive speed often results in tractor-trailers jackknifing and posing significant risk of injury or death to others on the road. That’s exactly what seems to have happened in this particular fatal truck accident. Such tragedies are easily prevented by truck drivers who operate their large trucks carefully and slow down in bad weather conditions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri big rig accident caused by a negligent or reckless truck driver, please contact a reputed St. Louis accident truck injury lawyer at Page Cagle for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation. We will get our legal team working on your case right away and help you secure fair compensation to cover your losses. Call Page Cagle today at 1-866-620-5757.

Source:http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/dec/09/snowfall-slick-roads-cause-two-fatal-accidents/

Truck Drivers Need to Slow Down in Winter Weather

After a series of truck accidents in Northwest Missouri, authorities are telling truck drivers to go back to the basics of driving. When the weather is bad, slow down. Missouri saw the first big snowfall of the season in early December. According to an article in the St. Joseph News Press, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported several tractor-trailer accidents that closed a stretch of Interstate 29 near Rock Port. Officials say that it is not a common occurrence to see so many truck accidents at once. However, these accidents are not surprising if you take into account the vast amount of truck drivers who forget to slow down when the weather gets rough.

Officials have said that a majority of these tractor trailer accidents in Missouri were caused by truck drivers’ failure to use their discretion with regard to speed. On heavy snow days, trucks are asked to stay off the road. Even so, there are still some trucking companies and truck drivers that allow the pressure of getting work done on time to overshadow the importance of safety. Some of these drivers put their job ahead of their own safety and the safety of others on the roadway.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri truck accident, you need skilled legal advice and representation. The reputed personal injury lawyers at Page Cagle will remain at your side and make sure that your rights are protected. Our experienced Missouri tractor trailer accident lawyers may be able to help you receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earnings. It is critical that you contact a knowledgeable attorney as soon as you can after your accident. Call Page Cagle today at 1-866-620-5757 for a free consultation and evaluation of your St. Louis truck accident claim.

Source:http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/dec/13/semi-drivers-asked-use-more-caution/