Texas has the most truck accidents in the country. The state experienced a staggering 1,386 fatal crashes in the years from 2015 to 2017. California followed with 846 accidents per 100,000 vehicles, while Florida had a less deadly rate of 405 accidents per 100,000 vehicles. The data shows that trucking accidents are a very real concern for the drivers of large trucks.
The truck driving profession is one of the most dangerous in the country, but the risks are even greater when operating an 80,000-pound vehicle. The truck driver fatality rate in the United States is 2.4%, but some states have much higher rates. These high rates are linked to inclement weather.
Trucks are difficult to see, especially at night or on a slope. Many drivers aren’t able to see a large truck, and a collision can be devastating. That’s why state legislatures have tried to limit the size of tractor-trailers.
Are Trucks Safer Than Cars in a Crash?
A truck is safer than a car in a crash, but this doesn’t mean that trucks are always better. Many factors contribute to the difference between the two vehicles, such as mass, design, and speed. Trucks also sit higher and are easier to flip over in a crash.
Large trucks are more heavily loaded than passenger vehicles, making them more dangerous in a crash. Large trucks also tend to have higher ground clearance, so they can slide beneath low-riding cars. But strong underride guards can help prevent these crashes. Another important factor in a truck’s crash safety is driver fatigue. Federal hours-of-service regulations allow truck drivers to spend no more than 11 hours on the road per shift. Finally, truck brake systems can malfunction and result in crashes.
The IIHS report notes that many new models have improved safety features and are able to prevent accidents. Several manufacturers have pledged to make automatic emergency braking a standard in pickups by 2022. However, these safety features are still in their infancy compared to car safety.
What Happens When a Truck Runs Over You?
If you’ve been struck by a truck, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. If you’re able to, you should call 911 and report the accident. The police will write up a preliminary report that will include information about the accident, fault, and insurance information. It’s also a good idea to report the accident to your own insurance company. If possible, take pictures of the scene and call witnesses to help establish liability. You should also take notes about the accident, especially about injuries or broken clothing.
The human body is remarkably flexible, but it is not as flexible as a truck. A truck’s weight can crush a pedestrian’s pelvis, causing it to break. Despite this, a truck’s driver is typically responsible for any damages he or she causes. To minimize your chances of surviving a truck crash, use all of your senses when crossing a road, paying attention to traffic signs and honks.
After an accident, the truck driver may not stay at the scene and must pay for the damages. If he or she leaves the scene, the driver may also face serious legal penalties. In addition to paying damages, he or she may be sued for more.
How Do Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?
While both car and truck accidents can result in devastating injuries, truck accidents are usually more complicated. These types of collisions involve multiple liable parties and the potential for catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Truck accidents are often caused by the negligence or recklessness of a truck driver, trucking companies, or other parties. Trucks also typically weigh more than cars, and therefore are more difficult to stop or make turns.
Trucks have a higher center of gravity than cars, and the resulting rollover can be devastating to cars nearby. Furthermore, trucks can jackknife, causing a collision that crushes vehicles nearby. Another common type of truck accident is caused by poor road conditions.
Truck accidents have unique laws governing them. These laws protect the rights of those who are injured in truck collisions. Unlike car accidents, truck accident cases often involve more parties sharing blame and involve aggressive legal tactics on the part of trucking companies.
Do Semi Trucks Cause Most Accidents?
The most common type of accident involving large trucks is a collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. These accidents often result in more serious injuries, which require more medical care and a longer recovery time. They also result in higher medical bills. The negligence of trucking companies can also play a role in causing these accidents.
Trucks must be maintained properly to avoid accidents. These vehicles require large amounts of time and money to keep working. This cuts into the profits of trucking companies. Poorly maintained trucks are one of the leading causes of accidents on the road. Additionally, operators must be responsible for the safety of other drivers on the road.
In 2018, 3.5 million commercial vehicles traveled on U.S. roads, and 3.5 million of these vehicles are semi-trucks. As a result, it is no surprise that accidents involving large trucks occur more frequently than accidents involving single-vehicle vehicles. In the United States, trucking accidents resulted in nearly half a million fatalities in 2018.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?
While fatal truck accidents can occur anywhere, there are specific areas where these collisions are most likely to occur. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most accidents involving large trucks occur on major highways. These roads are widely traveled and often go through the center of a city or town. According to IIHS, midweek hours are often the most dangerous times to be traveling on the highway.
While truck accidents occur in every state, three states consistently top the list when it comes to trucking collisions. California, Texas, and Florida all report the highest rates of fatal truck collisions. According to these statistics, truck collisions killed nearly 7,000 people in 2013 alone. Of those deaths, more than half were occupants of passenger vehicles. The remaining 25 percent of fatal crashes involved non-occupant vehicles.
The majority of fatal trucking accidents take place during the workweek. This is when most truck drivers have daily routes and deadlines to meet. According to the IIHS, 79 percent of fatal truck accidents happened on weekdays and 73 percent happened during the daytime. While evening and weekend hours are less hazardous, truckers should still pay special attention to their safety.
What Day of the Week Has the Most Truck Traffic?
According to NHTSA, the busiest day of the week for truck traffic is Thursday. This is because more cargo is moving on the roads on a weekday than on the weekend. Additionally, truck drivers may be tired and less alert during the week, making them more prone to collisions. Generally, the safest day for truck traffic is Tuesday, as the weekdays tend to have less traffic accidents.
If you’re looking to make long distance trips, consider leaving a few hours earlier than usual on Thursday. This way, you’ll avoid rush hour and make good headway while the roads are clear. Another good idea is to load up your truck the night before. Getting up early is also helpful for long trips.
Trucks and cars typically compete for road space from six a.m. to six p.m. According to provincial registration data, there are 27 cars for every truck. This number increases with distance traveled. On average, trucks cover 2.5 times more road than cars. Also, truck activity varies according to the day of the week, time of day, and location. Small trucks travel more during the week, while large trucks travel more during the weekend.
How Common are Trucking Accidents?
Truck accidents are a growing concern for motorists. Especially because these vehicles travel thousands of miles each day in sometimes dangerous conditions, truck accidents are increasing across the country. Factors that increase the risk of collisions include poorly maintained roads, faulty barriers, and weather conditions. Trucks also tend to be larger than passenger vehicles, and drivers often find themselves tired or distracted during long hours on the road.
Almost half of all trucking accidents involve driver fatigue. In fact, according to the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, fatigue is the leading cause of truck accidents. Other factors include lack of maintenance on trucks and improper qualification of truck drivers. Injuries caused by truck drivers are often fatal.
Truck accidents also involve a higher risk of injury and death than car accidents. In addition, the people in smaller vehicles are much more vulnerable than the truck driver. As a result, 97% of fatalities in truck-passenger crashes in 2020 were passengers of smaller cars.
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