Trucking Company Allegedly Encourages Cell Phone Use While Driving

This case involves a fatal trucking accident that was caused by distracted driving. The truck driver was using his cell phone to communicate with his employer while operating the truck on a major interstate highway. At the time, the weather was very rainy with limited visibility. The truck driver ultimately rear-ended the car in front of him, causing 4 fatalities. It was alleged that the operating company was to blame for the incident for encouraging drivers to use cell phones while operating vehicles. An expert in human factors expert with experience relating to distracted driving was sought to discuss the impact cellphone use can have on a driver’s ability to properly operate motor vehicles.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please explain your human factor experience and how it pertains to this case?

2. Do you have extensive knowledge of what effect speaking on the phone has on a driver?

Expert Witness Response E-004762

This case is right in my area of expertise and I am glad to assist. I am a licensed professional engineer, and I specialize in human factors. I hold a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering with a research focus in human factors, ergonomics, and biomechanics. Presently, I serve as the president of a human factors consultancy. I have extensive experience analyzing driver behavior, including cell phone use and other in-vehicle distractions. My research during my time as a university professor focused on in-vehicle distractions and the effects of cell phone use while driving. I am well-versed on the current science related to this topic. I have reviewed and testified on similar cases as a human factors expert.