Recently, we’ve focused much of our attention on the topic of semi truck accidents. As our previous articles have revealed, we appear to be in the middle of a truck crash epidemic. Although increases in technology seem to have made our passenger vehicles safer, deaths from commercial truck crashes have continued to increase in recent years.
It’s important to remember that we share the roads with big rigs that can weight in excess of 80,000 pounds. While commercial trucks are critical to the transportation of cargo in our country, they also present massive potential risks to the general public. If we take a look at the statistics of trucks and their drivers, what will we learn about the potential for disaster?
Where and When Do Crashes Happen?
One of the ways we can avoid being the victim of a truck crash is by understanding where and when we’re most at risk. Here are what the statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tell us about where most truck accidents occur:
- More than a quarter of all fatal commercial truck accidents happen on an interstate
- 63% of fatal crashes occurred in a rural area
- Only 5% of truck crashes happened in a work zone
So, we know now that the majority of fatal accidents don’t occur in our busy, urban streets. They take place where it’s quieter and more rural, when people are less likely to be on high alert.
Now that we know where we’re most at risk, it’s important to know when we’re most at risk, too. Here’s what the numbers tell us:
- 78% of fatal crashes involving heavy trucks happened on weekdays
- Of the weekday crashes, 73% occurred during daytime hours
These numbers came as a bit of a surprise to me. It seems like more accidents would occur when our roadways are packed with weekend traffic, and at night, too when visibility is low. However, we’re most at risk on our daily work commute when the sun is shining.
What Do We Know About Truck Drivers?
The NHTSA also collected comprehensive statistics on the drivers themselves. A truck is only as safe as its driver, so it’s useful to learn whatever we can about the sort of drivers that find themselves in a fatal truck collision. Here’s what the numbers show:
- At 21%, large truck drivers have the highest percentage of previously recorded crashes, compared to drivers of all other vehicle types
- More than 21% of truck drivers involved in a fatal crash had at least one prior speed ticket. This is higher than passenger cars and light trucks
Therefore, truck drivers involved in fatal crashes are more likely to have been in previous accidents and are more likely to have speeding convictions when compared to the drivers of passenger cars. With such a high potential for life endangerment, you’d think truck drivers would have much lower rates of previous collisions or speeding violations.
Contact Brooks Law Group
Have your or a loved one been injured because of another driver’s negligence? If you’re injured or suffering, you deserve justice and compensation. At the Brooks Law Group, our attorneys and staff are dedicated to giving you the help you need to get back to the status quo. Our clients receive the best in customer service, and they owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for their case. If you’re looking for a local law firm that is trusted by its community, look no further. Call our offices at 1-800-LAW-3030 or visit us online for your free case evaluation. Don’t wait; start your journey to justice today!
