Numerous national health and safety organizations have come together to petition the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create a regulation to ban cell-phone use in tractor-trailers and 18-wheeler semis.  They cite to research that shows that the majority of serious truck crashes or 'close calls' are the result of distractions inside the cab of the truck.  Those majority of those distractions were found to have originated by cell-phone use or text messaging.  Even the American Trucking Associations ATA agree and its president was quoted as saying "Improving driver performance by elimintating distractions, including those caused by text messaging, will greatly improve the safety of all motorists."  The ATA reportedly supports legislation that would ban reading, writing and sending text messages at all times while operating a commercial motor vehicle. 

Truckers argue that they must use their cell phones in order to keep in touch with friends and family while on the road, as many truck drivers spend 5-6 days per week away from their home.  Legislation that would ban cell-phone use and texting would cause a disconnect with truckers and their loved ones.  Another potential issue is that many truckers use onboard communication devices to keep in touch with the trucking companies they are hauling freight for. 

Chances are high that a truck accident may have been caused by a distracted truck driver.  Whether using a cell-phone, texting, emailing, or driving while fatigued, its possible that a distracted truck driver caused or contributed to cause the truck crash.  If you have been injured in a crash, contact Missouri Truck Accident Injury Lawyer Stephen Schultz for a case consultation.  Only a competent truck accident lawyer can obtain fair compensation for your injury claim.