Truck driving is one of the most hazardous occupations. The statistics about how many truck drivers die each year in the US are quite interesting. These fatalities can be the result of various factors, including distracted driving. Many truck drivers have their cell phones with them while driving. Texting while on the road can also lead to serious accidents. Although trucking has become more safe in recent years, fatalities still occur. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 4,000 truck drivers died last year in the US.
Heavy-duty truck driving ranks among the deadliest occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers were responsible for one in every seven workplace fatalities in 2016. The number of fatal accidents increased 1.4 percent over the previous year. This is alarming when you consider that there are 3.5 million people employed in the trucking industry.
According to the study, truck drivers have a shorter life expectancy than other workers. These drivers are also at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Furthermore, the long hours and rough terrain cause damage to the body. As a result, many drivers sustain injuries that end in death.
How Many Truckers Died in 2020?
In 2020, there are projected to be 4,895 fatalities due to truck crashes. In 2019, there were 5,005 truck-related deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this number will increase by 13%. However, the number of fatalities associated with large truck crashes is likely to fall.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, large truck crashes will account for approximately 10 percent of the total number of motor vehicle-related fatalities. Of these deaths, 71 percent involved tractor-trailers and 16 percent involved a single-unit truck. Additionally, 57 percent of truck-related fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes involved a large truck. By comparison, just nine percent of large truck-related fatalities occurred among non-truck occupants.
The highest rate of fatal truck accidents occurred in Texas. In 2018, 513 people lost their lives in this state alone. In contrast, the District of Columbia had zero fatal commercial vehicle accidents. The reason for the high fatality rate was due to negligent truck drivers. In Texas, a recent law made it harder for people to file complaints against motor carriers.
How Safe are Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers have to be extremely careful on the road. They need to allow extra time for accidents, and they also need to pay attention to the weather and road conditions. One of the most common dangers is iced roads. Truck drivers can easily avoid these dangers by carefully monitoring weather reports and planning their routes around those conditions. If they must travel on an icy road, they should find a safe place to park and wait until state maintenance crews clear the road.
Defensive driving encourages truck drivers to stay alert for hazards and make wise decisions. This approach can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injury, and claim payouts, while also reducing insurance premiums. Defensive driving can also reduce the cost of repairs and claim payouts, which is important to truck drivers.
Truck drivers should also stay well rested and watch traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. Drivers should also use electronic logbooks to record sleep and rest hours. They should also check the weather forecast regularly. If they are driving during peak hours or during bad weather, they should avoid traveling on roads with heavy traffic. Furthermore, truck drivers should stay alert while traveling through school zones or work zones.
Are Trucks Safer Than Cars?
Trucks have a higher center of gravity than cars, making them more prone to rollover accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rollover accidents caused by trucks cause 100 deaths every year. These victims are mostly truck drivers, but some are passengers of other vehicles. These statistics make it important for truck drivers to use seat belts and follow safe driving practices.
One of the biggest contributing factors to fatal accidents in pickup trucks is the lack of seatbelts. While trucks are often more comfortable with seat belts than cars, drivers tend to be less likely to wear them. Also, the bed of pickup trucks often doesn’t have seatbelts, so teens often pile into the truck’s bed after school.
Trucks are also heavier. Because of this, they slow down at a slower rate, which means they take more force in a crash. This is why, in head-on collisions, trucks are considered safer. In addition, crossover vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the US. These larger vehicles make drivers feel more secure and in control.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Truck Driver?
A truck driver’s life expectancy depends on his or her lifestyle. In general, a trucker puts approximately 100,000 miles on the road per year. This is nearly twice as much as the average car driver. In addition, truck drivers must endure a longer commute, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
The CDC estimates the average life expectancy of commercial truck drivers at 61 years. This is below the average life expectancy of men. A truck driver’s mortality rate is also higher than other occupations. In the United States alone, truck drivers have a 233% higher rate of non-fatal injuries than other workers. As a result, truck driving is a very risky job. The average age at death is 61 years old, which is nearly 17 years lower than the life expectancy for other professions.
There are a few different factors that contribute to the shorter life expectancy of a truck driver. These include exposure to more dangerous roads and the long hours of work. In addition, truck drivers tend to be male, which is a contributing factor. The health risks involved with truck driving and the lifestyle that truck drivers live are major factors in their reduced life expectancy.
How Common are Trucking Accidents?
Trucking accidents are an important part of the American economy, but not everyone is familiar with them. These accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of them are physical, such as sleep apnea, which can affect a truck driver. This sleep disorder, which is also known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is characterized by pauses in breathing while sleeping. Drivers who suffer from OSA often exhibit fatigue and drowsiness, which can increase the risk of a truck accident.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, truck crashes are responsible for nearly 4,000 deaths each year. In comparison, the number of fatalities associated with car accidents is much lower. However, truck crashes can be catastrophic and can cause thousands of injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), truck accidents are preventable with standard safety measures.
The most common types of trucking accidents are rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and T-bone accidents. Truck accidents are often the result of a truck driver losing control or a trailer slipping. These accidents can be devastating and result in years of medical bills and lost wages.
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