The Dangers of Distracted Driving: A Guide for CMVs
Course Description:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, the arm of the Department of Transportation, or DOT, responsible for regulating commercial motor vehicles, or CMVs, and their drivers, points to driver distraction as a contributing factor in 10 percent of accidents involving large trucks. If you drive a single or combination truck with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more or a passenger-carrying vehicle that carries 8 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation or 15 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation, then this session is for you. This training will help you identify and avoid distracted driving behaviors to ensure that your actions are not the cause of an accident.
Why “The Dangers of Distracted Driving: A Guide for CMVs” Matters:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) the arm of the Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for regulating CMVs and their drivers, points to driver distraction as a contributing factor in 10 percent of accidents involving large trucks.
If you drive a single or combination truck with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more or a passenger-carrying vehicle that carries 8 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation or 15 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation.
Key Points:
There are many different things that can divert attention from driving, both inside and outside the vehicle.
- When distracted, a driver is not focused on operating a CMV, which can lead to accidents.
- Handheld cell phone use, for either texting or voice communications, is not allowed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
- If you cause an accident because you are distracted, you are subject to civil and criminal penalties, up to and including prison time.
