Distracted Driving Awareness Month Observed in April
Distraction behind the wheel isn’t just a personal failure — it’s a growing threat inside the trucking industry. Despite strict federal regulations banning texting while driving, commercial drivers continue to use their phones behind the wheel. And when they do, the consequences are often devastating truck accidents.
According to a recent survey by Teletrac Navman, 70% of businesses have been affected by distracted driving incidents, with 68% identifying cell phone use as the leading cause. The report also stated that 28% of respondents said distracted driving led to safety and compliance breaches.
These are not isolated events. They point to a widespread and ongoing problem across the commercial transportation sector — one that puts everyone else on the road at risk.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Indiana is uniquely vulnerable. With major truck corridors like I-70, I-65, and I-69 cutting through the state, commercial traffic is constant. When a truck driver looks down at a phone for just five seconds, they can travel the length of a football field without seeing the road. That’s often the difference between a close call and a multi-vehicle crash.
High-Speed Freight and High-Risk Roads
Indiana’s role as a national freight corridor means its highways are busier and more vulnerable than most. Trucks pour through the state each day, often moving through congested cities, rural stretches, and critical junctions that connect coast-to-coast and border-to-border freight routes.
Some of the most crash-prone highways in Indiana include:
- Interstate 70: A heavily trafficked east-west corridor that sees frequent truck traffic through Terre Haute, Indianapolis, and Richmond.
- Interstate 65: A major north-south artery connecting Gary, Lafayette, Indianapolis, and Columbus, often congested and under construction.
- Interstate 69: An increasingly active freight route stretching from Evansville to Fort Wayne, with several rural stretches that create unique hazards at highway speed.
These routes are vital for commerce but also present major challenges. Long stretches of monotonous driving can lead to boredom and distraction, while urban congestion increases the temptation for drivers to check their phones during stop-and-go traffic.
When trucks are involved, these distractions don’t just cause fender benders — they cause devastating wrecks with catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or fatal consequences.
Why Texting and Driving Is Especially Dangerous for Truckers
Truck drivers are held to a higher safety standard for good reason. Federal regulations explicitly prohibit commercial drivers from texting while driving. Despite this, distraction remains a leading cause of truck crashes nationwide, and Indiana is no exception.
Texting behind the wheel is particularly dangerous for truck drivers for several reasons:
- Their vehicles take much longer to stop.
- They have larger blind spots and reduced maneuverability.
- Their size makes every crash more severe for the people in smaller vehicles.
Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a truck driver failing to react quickly to traffic slowing ahead, leading to high-speed rear-end crashes or multi-vehicle pileups.
Complex Liability in Interstate and Multi-Vehicle Crashes
One reason texting-related truck crashes are so legally complex is that they often involve more than just the truck driver. In many cases, multiple vehicles are affected, and the trucking company’s role must be examined closely.
These cases often require a detailed investigation to determine:
- Was the truck driver texting or otherwise distracted at the time of the crash?
- Did the trucking company fail to enforce federal safety rules or ignore past violations?
- Did other vehicles contribute to the crash, or were they affected as secondary collisions unfolded?
Indiana’s comparative fault laws make these cases even more complicated. Multiple parties may share blame, and insurance companies will do everything possible to shift responsibility and reduce their liability. That’s why anyone involved in a serious crash with a commercial truck should consult with a lawyer who understands both the trucking industry and Indiana’s legal landscape.
The Importance of Quick Legal Action
After a truck crash, critical evidence can vanish quickly. Digital logs, cell phone records, GPS data, and camera footage are often overwritten or deleted within days or weeks. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better the chances of preserving that evidence.
In distraction-based crashes, some of the most valuable evidence includes:
- Phone records and text logs
- Event data recorder (black box) information
- Dashcam or surveillance video
- Witness statements and police reports
- Driver communication with dispatch or company apps
Proving a truck driver was distracted is rarely straightforward. It requires a legal team that acts fast, knows what to look for, and knows how to secure evidence before it disappears. At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we are available 24/7 and can quickly dispatch a team to the crash site to gather and preserve critical evidence in support of your claim.
Holding Distracted Truck Drivers and Their Employers Accountable
Texting and driving is illegal for all drivers in Indiana, but when a commercial truck is involved, the stakes are much higher. A moment of inattention can destroy lives.
For victims, the path forward is difficult. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability can be overwhelming. Holding the truck driver — and potentially the trucking company — financially accountable is one way to get justice and rebuild after a crash.
If you or someone you love was seriously hurt in a truck accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t wait. Legal deadlines apply, and evidence may already be at risk. Give us a call at 420-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced Indiana truck accident attorney. There are no upfront costs, and you pay absolutely NOTHING unless we win your case.