When a truck driver decides to focus on anything other than the road and people driving around them, they may put others at risk for a crash. This kind of distraction is more dangerous than someone may imagine at first since there are many consequences to multitasking.
Knowing more about how to spot someone multitasking and what it means is key when you are driving.
Looking away from oncoming traffic
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers that look down to check their phones or stare out the window at billboards may miss important warnings. Traffic around them could try to merge into the lane they are in or turn in front of them and they may miss it. Even a few seconds of glancing down can make a major impact at a high speed.
Keeping hands away from the wheel
When a trucker is picking up an item like a phone or a drink, they are not using one of their hands to steer. This temporary loss of a hand controlling the truck can lead to a crash if a sudden obstacle appears in the road or they need to turn without warning. The trucker also may not react as quickly if they are focusing mainly on what they are doing rather than driving.
Failing to consider any danger
When a truck driver is thinking about any other subject than operating a truck or what traffic is doing, they may hesitate when they need to act. This delay is potentially life-threatening since these vehicles are much larger than most cars, meaning an accident can impact the other driver more.
Being aware of the dangers of multitasking can help you after a serious collision with a truck.