Although trucking is by no means the fastest or most efficient means of transport, the U.S. economy relies heavily on it. Since 2007, the tracking industry has been growing steadily, so that today, no less than 70% of all commercial cargo reaches its destination via a truck. But, while it may be good for the economy and provide a stable income source for millions of Americans, the trucking industry has its risks, especially when it comes to road safety.
Because of factors such as distracted driving, fatigue, and failure to obey traffic rules, trucking has become increasingly dangerous, and if the figures continue to grow at the same rate, truck accidents will be the 5th largest cause of death in the U.S. within the next ten years.
Truck accident statistics in the U.S.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the number of traffic deaths caused by trucks has increased by 52% between 2009 and 2017, reaching 4,102. Other official reports also reveal that:
- While the general number of road traffic accidents has decreased, the number of 18-wheeler crashes is on the rise
- 72% of all fatal vehicle accidents involve a truck
- The most common cause of truck accidents are tire defects, followed by aggressive driving and driver fatigue
- In 68% of cases, an occupant in the passenger vehicle dies
What measures have been taken to reduce truck accidents?
Aware of the high fatality rate of truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have taken a series of safety measures, such as:
- Restricting the number of hours that truck drivers can spend behind the wheel and introducing mandatory resting periods after eight hours of driving.
- Equipping trucks with electronic stability control.
- Starting awareness campaigns on the importance of respecting the rules of the road and avoiding distractions such as cellphones.
These measures have saved many lives, but the number of traffic accidents involving trucks stays worryingly high. Ideally, such accidents should be prevented, but, should they occur, it’s important for victims and their families to know their rights and the legal steps to follow.
What makes truck accidents more legally complex than car accidents?
Although they are both traffic accidents, car and truck accidents differ in many ways, which is why victims are advised to find the best 18 wheeler accident attorney who understands the details of this sensitive situation. State laws matter too, so a car accident attorney New Orleans may need to follow different procedures than one in North Carolina. A commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which causes serious medical and material losses. Unfortunately, many times, victims in passenger vehicles have to deal not only with heavy tangible losses, under the form of medical bills and lost income, but also intangible losses, as emotional pain and suffering. Most accidents end in one of the victim’s death or in severe injuries that may impact their quality of life, and in these cases, it’s important to have on your side a lawyer who makes sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.