Will the number of truck accidents continue to increase?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a total of 3,921 fatal truck accidents in the U.S. in 2012, the last year for which statistics are available.
April 05, 2014
According to the National Safety Council, the number of fatal car accidents in the U.S. decreased by approximately three percent from 2012 to 2013. The number of car crash related injuries also declined by about two percent during the same period. While this overall decrease is, indeed, a good thing, the high level view masks one important fact: the number of fatal truck accidents appears to be on the rise.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a total of 3,921 fatal truck accidents in the U.S. in 2012, the last year for which statistics are available. This marks a four percent increase in fatal truck accidents from 2011. From 2009 to 2012, the number of fatal car accidents involving large trucks increased by just over 18 percent overall. During the same period, the number of truck accidents resulting in injury increased by a shocking 42 percent.
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of these truck crash numbers is that the number of trucks on our highways has actually decreased in recent years. From 2009 to 2011, the number of large trucks registered in the U.S. declined by just over six percent. In addition, the total number of miles traveled by large trucks declined by about seven percent over this same period.
What is the cause of this recent increase in truck accidents? According to the NHTSA, truck drivers who are involved in fatal crashes are far less likely than those who drive passenger vehicles to have ever had a license suspension. In addition, alcohol use by truck drivers involved in fatal accidents is generally uncommon.
One of the most significant factor in these sorts of accidents is truck driver fatigue. The NHTSA has already implemented more stringent hours of service rules, which require truck drivers to take more breaks and to rest for longer before getting back behind the wheel. Though these new rules have only been in effect for less than a year, recent initial studies indicate that they seem to be working. It remains to be seen, however, whether preventing driver fatigue will result in a decrease in serious and fatal truck accidents.
Unfortunately, those who are involved in accidents with large commercial trucks often suffer debilitating injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Talk to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more.
Article provided by The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese & Barletti
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