In order to operate a large commercial truck or bus on a Massachusetts road or highway a driver usually must possess a special license that demonstrates their capacity to handle such a massive vehicle. This special license is an important element of gaining the right and responsibility of truck driving as 18-wheelers, semis and other large rigs can be incredibly dangerous when they are poorly operated by their drivers. The possession of the special license is a sign that a driver understands the rules and regulations that apply to them when they are operating their commercial automobiles.
One of the important rules that extend to truck drivers is the prohibition on their ability to text and drive. Texting and driving involves using a handheld device such as a smartphone while behind the wheel of a vehicle and keying in text to send to another party. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration prohibit texting and driving for drivers of all commercial vehicles.
Drivers of commercial vehicles cannot partake in any part of texting and driving. They may not read a message on a screen while driving, key in data, or send and respond to messages. If a driver is caught engaging in such prohibited conduct they may lose their special commercial license.
Texting and driving is dangerous because it takes a driver’s attention away from the road. During the seconds that a driver’s focus is broken a dangerous and life-threatening collision could occur. Distracted driving and texting and driving is a problem for many Worchester residents and those who have suffered truck and other vehicle accidents due to the negligence of others may wish to investigate their rights with the help of personal injury lawyers.
