How Many Truck Accidents Are Fatal?

Writing By /
Brenton Armour
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases...Read more

Truck accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries or even fatalities. With the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, it’s no surprise that collisions involving these vehicles can have severe consequences. But just how many truck accidents are fatal?

The answer to this question is staggering. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 4,136 fatalities and 79,000 injuries resulting from crashes involving large trucks in 2018 alone. These statistics highlight the need for improved safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring on our roads.

How Many Truck Accidents Are Fatal?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, there were 4,415 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in the United States. Out of those crashes, 4,862 people died, with 16% being occupants of large trucks, 67% being occupants of passenger vehicles, and 15% being non-occupants. Overall, truck accidents account for a significant portion of fatal crashes on U.S. roads.

How Many Truck Accidents Are Fatal?

How Many Truck Accidents Are Fatal?

Truck accidents are some of the deadliest and most devastating accidents that can occur on the road. With the size and weight of trucks, collisions can result in serious injuries and fatalities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how many truck accidents are fatal and what factors contribute to the severity of these accidents.

Statistics on Fatal Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,761 fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses in 2017. This was a 9% increase from the previous year. Of these crashes, 4,455 involved large trucks, and 306 involved buses.

The FMCSA also reports that in 2017, there were 4,889 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks or buses. Of these fatalities, 4,455 were occupants of other vehicles, 284 were non-occupants, and 150 were occupants of large trucks or buses.

Factors Contributing to Fatal Truck Accidents

There are many factors that contribute to the severity of truck accidents, including:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence
  • Distracted driving
  • Vehicle maintenance issues
  • Improper loading of cargo

Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules and may drive for long periods without taking adequate breaks. This can lead to drowsy driving and impaired judgment.

Speeding is another common factor in truck accidents. Large trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles, and speeding can make it more difficult for drivers to react to unexpected situations.

Benefits of Improved Truck Safety

Improving truck safety can have a number of benefits, including:

  • Reducing the number of fatalities and injuries in truck accidents
  • Lowering healthcare costs associated with truck accidents
  • Reducing the number of lawsuits and legal costs
  • Improving public perception of the trucking industry

Improved safety measures, such as stricter regulations on driver hours and mandatory rest breaks, can help reduce driver fatigue and prevent accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance and inspections can also help ensure that trucks are in good condition and less likely to experience mechanical failures on the road.

Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents

Truck accidents are often more severe than car accidents due to the size and weight of trucks. In addition, trucks are often carrying heavy cargo, which can increase the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident.

Because of this, it’s important for drivers to exercise caution around large trucks and to be aware of their limitations. Following the rules of the road, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding distractions can all help reduce the risk of a truck accident.

Conclusion

Truck accidents can be devastating, and improving truck safety is essential to preventing fatalities and injuries on the road. By addressing factors such as driver fatigue, speeding, and vehicle maintenance, we can work to reduce the number of fatal truck accidents and improve public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Truck accidents can be devastating and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Many people wonder just how many truck accidents are fatal. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding this issue.

What percentage of truck accidents are fatal?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 4,136 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. This represents a 1% increase from 2017. Large truck and bus fatalities have been on the rise since 2009.

Overall, approximately 11% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities involve large trucks, with the vast majority of those fatalities being occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash.

What are the most common causes of fatal truck accidents?

There are several factors that contribute to fatal truck accidents. Some of the most common causes include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, improper maintenance of the truck, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In some cases, the weather or road conditions may also play a role in fatal truck accidents. However, many of these accidents could be prevented if drivers and trucking companies followed proper safety protocols and regulations.

What can be done to reduce the number of fatal truck accidents?

The FMCSA has implemented several initiatives to improve trucking safety and reduce the number of fatal truck accidents. One such initiative is the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program, which identifies high-risk carriers and drivers and takes action to address safety concerns.

In addition, the FMCSA has implemented regulations regarding driver hours of service, electronic logging devices, and drug and alcohol testing. These measures help to ensure that drivers are well-rested and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

Are there any laws that hold trucking companies responsible for fatal accidents?

Yes, there are laws that hold trucking companies responsible for fatal accidents. In some cases, the trucking company may be held liable for the actions of their drivers if they failed to properly train, supervise, or monitor their employees.

In addition, trucking companies may be held responsible if they failed to properly maintain their vehicles or if they encouraged drivers to violate safety regulations in order to meet tight delivery deadlines.

What should I do if I or a loved one is involved in a fatal truck accident?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal truck accident, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options, and work to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Additionally, it may be helpful to speak with a grief counselor or therapist to help you cope with the emotional aftermath of a tragic accident.

In conclusion, truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous and even fatal. With the increase of truck traffic on our roads, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. While many truck accidents are not fatal, it is still important to take precautions to prevent these accidents from occurring.

One way to prevent truck accidents is to ensure that truck drivers are properly trained and have the necessary skills to operate such large vehicles. Additionally, it is important for trucking companies to properly maintain their vehicles to prevent mechanical failures that could cause accidents.

Overall, the number of fatal truck accidents is concerning, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. By being aware of the dangers and taking preventative measures, we can help keep our roads safe for everyone.

Brenton ArmourUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases from minor injuries to devastating accidents, earning him a sterling reputation as a trusted and passionate advocate for justice. Brenton's unwavering dedication to his clients has cemented his position as a sought-after personal injury attorney.

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