Recently, a New Mexico news article reported on a new development that will hopefully decrease the number of serious and fatal trucking accidents on many of the State’s two-lane roadways. Samsung is in the development process of a new technology that will allow trucks to have a camera attached to the front of the vehicle. This camera will work to show drivers following behind the truck what is directly in front of the truck on a large TV screen that will be placed on the back of the truck.
Large semi-trucks and tractor-trailers cause big obstructions and blind spots for drivers. The wireless camera will allow drivers to be able to safely pass a truck because they will be able to see what is in front of the truck. State Police have recently reported that many of their accident calls are in response to distracted driving situations. As a side note, developers of the new technology hope that in addition to reduced accidents, one of the positive side effects of this technology will be the reduction of bottle necks and congested highways.
New Mexico Commercial Motor Vehicle Distracted Driving Laws
As State Police have referenced above, distracted driving is one of the main reasons that truck accidents occur on New Mexico state highways. Although this technology will work to hopefully drastically reduce the number of accidents, it is still in the very preliminary developmental phase. According to the news report, only one prototype has been tested in Argentina, and that truck is currently off the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published very specific rules regarding distracted driving for interstate bus and truck drivers. Drivers cannot text and drive. This includes reading texts, emailing, or pressing more than a single button to begin or end a phone call. Furthermore, this regulation restricts a driver from even reaching for a phone to start a conversation. Only when a phone is being used with a hands-free device is it permissible to talk on the phone.
If a truck or bus driver is found to be using a hand-held phone or texting, they can face serious civil penalties, including hefty fines and license disqualification. In addition to these types of civil penalties, if a truck driver is involved in an accident, they may be liable for civil negligence claims brought by the injured party.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Trucking Accident?
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a trucking accident in New Mexico, you may consider bringing a civil personal injury claim against the culpable driver or their employer. Unfortunately, these types of accidents occur quite frequently and can be financially and physically devastating. It is important that you seek competent counsel to assist you in filing your claim. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary damages, including but not limited to compensation for your physical injuries and property damage. Contact the Fine Law Firm today at 505-889-FINE to schedule a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Truck Driver Involved in Crash That Blocked Bridge, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, June 18, 2015.
17-Year-Old Girl Killed after Logging Truck Crashes on Highway, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, May 27, 2015.