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Trucking accidents are a major public safety issue, and they can have serious consequences for everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and bystanders. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in over 500,000 traffic crashes in the United States in 2020, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities and over 116,000 injuries.
It's important to note that while large trucks make up a relatively small percentage of vehicles on the road, they are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. In 2020, large trucks were involved in 12% of all traffic fatalities, even though they only accounted for 4% of all registered vehicles.
The causes of trucking accidents are varied, but some of the most common factors include driver fatigue, speeding, improper lane changes, and following too closely. Improper maintenance, overloaded or improperly loaded trucks, and poor road conditions can also contribute to crashes.
To help reduce the number of trucking accidents, the NHTSA and other organizations are working to improve truck safety through education, research, and regulation. For example, there are federal regulations in place to help ensure that truck drivers are properly trained and licensed, and that trucks are regularly inspected and maintained. Additionally, there are programs and initiatives in place to promote safe driving practices, such as the "Share the Road" campaign, which educates drivers on how to safely interact with large trucks on the highway.