Road crashes are expected to become the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. by 2030. Among road-related deaths in 2017, 4,657 of them were caused by trucks, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Small cars don’t stand a chance against 18-wheelers, coal trucks, cement trucks, and other large trucks. Continue reading to learn more about truck accidents.
General Truck Accident Statistics
Two-vehicle accidents accounted for 63 percent of all truck accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Although most truck collisions have more than one contributing factor, vehicle failure, overcompensating while steering, tailgating, physical impairments, falling asleep behind the wheel were all significant factors. Here’s a breakdown:
- Speeding was the most commonly reported factor in truck-related fatalities.
- Impairment, which includes fatigue, alcohol use, and illness, was the second most frequently reported factor.
- Distracted driving was the third most commonly reported cause.
- Sixty truck drivers died due to fatigue in 2017.
- Twenty-seven percent of trucks had brake problems.
- Nineteen percent of drivers were unfamiliar with their route.
- Ten percent felt too much pressure.
- Three percent experienced tire problems.
- Five percent drove aggressively.
- One percent were ill.
- Approximately 0.5 percent were under the influence of illegal substances.
- Approximately 0.3 percent were consuming alcohol.
It’s also important to factor in a truck’s weight and stopping distance. On average, a small car weighs about 2.5 tons, while a large truck can weigh at least 50 tons. It takes longer for a truck to come to a complete stop. For instance, if a small car and a large truck are both driving at 40 mph and brake at the same moment, then the truck will travel approximately 45 feet forward before entirely stopping.
Tanker Truck Accident Statistics
A tanker truck, also known as a fuel truck, is a large truck that carries gas; it’s considered a hazardous vehicle.
- In 2017, over 5,000 accidents involved tankers.
- Of these accidents, 372 resulted in fatalities.
- Hazardous substances were present in 3 percent of large trucks involved in fatal accidents.
- Hazardous substances were released from the cargo compartment of 16 percent of trucks.
- Flammable liquids, such as fuel, oil, and gasoline, accounted for 63 percent of hazardous materials released from cargo compartments in fatal crashes, and 45 percent of the hazardous materials released in nonfatal crashes.
Garbage Truck Accident Statistics
Being a garbage truck driver is considered one of the most dangerous jobs, and for every 100,000 workers, 33 of them will die. The following are statistics from 2018:
- There were 2,430 crashes involving garbage trucks.
- Of those accidents, 1,427 of them resulted in injury.
- There were 107 fatalities.
Fire Truck Accident Statistics
The United States Fire Administration claims fire truck crashes are the second leading cause of firefighter fatalities.
- Between 2000 to 2009, there were approximately 31,600 crashes involving fire trucks, 49 of which resulted in the death of at least one occupant inside the truck.
- Sixty-six percent of all fire truck accidents are rollover accidents.
- Seventy percent of accidents occur while the fire truck is in emergency use.
Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton
Unfortunately, no one is entirely safe on the road. Even if you’re a responsible driver, you can’t manage someone else’s driving skills. If you were recently involved in a truck accident that resulted in injury, you need to work with a personal injury attorney to receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today.