The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations regarding the use of handheld electronic devices, such as mobile phones or cellphones. Drivers are required to follow these regulations, and failing to do so could mean they are liable if they are involved in an accident. The FMCSA has put these regulations in place largely to combat distracted driving and reduce the frequency of serious truck accidents.
As a general rule, drivers are not allowed to use a handheld mobile phone while they are behind the wheel. Doing so can take their hands off the steering wheel and their eyes off the road, both of which can lead to severe crashes.
That said, drivers still need to communicate with others, such as fellow truck drivers, the trucking company they work for, a dispatcher coordinating multiple trucks or personnel at loading and unloading facilities. There are ways to do this without violating FMCSA regulations.
How truck drivers can stay in compliance
Truck drivers can use phones when they are set up in a specific way, typically by using a hands-free system. This often involves voice-activated dialing, allowing the driver to place calls without looking down or manually entering a phone number. In some cases, a driver may be permitted to press a single button to initiate a call, as long as they do not have to hold the device in their hand while they do so.
In many trucks, the solution is to use a speakerphone function or an earpiece. This allows the driver to hold a conversation while keeping their eyes on traffic and maintaining full control of the vehicle. The speakerphone system may connect to the audio system in the truck, or it may just use the mic and speakers on the phone.
Staying compliant often requires planning in advance. Drivers may need to store important contacts in their phone, learn how to pair the device to the truck’s Bluetooth system or set up a dashboard mount so the phone does not need to be held while driving. With proper preparation, drivers can comply with FMCSA regulations while still communicating when necessary.
The aftermath of an accident
Unfortunately, driver distraction due to cellphone use (and other causes) can still occur, and serious accidents may happen. Those who are involved need to understand what legal options are available as they move through the post-accident process.