National Statistics Show an Increase in Truck Accident Fatalities

According to national statistics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in the last year the number of passenger vehicle crash fatalities has decreased but the number of fatalities in truck accidents has actually increased.

The number of deaths in passenger vehicle crashes dropped nationwide last year, but the number of deaths in large truck accidents increased, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

When a truck driver gets distracted or speeds, two common causes of motor vehicle accidents, and it causes an accident, the results and injuries can be catastrophic. In addition to drivers who do not always practice safe driving behaviors, the large semi vehicles themselves are not always very safe. For instance, tractor semis are not required to be compliant with any standard of crashworthiness. This can mean injuries for those inside the truck and to other drivers, pedestrians, or motorcyclists.

Federal agencies have made reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by trucks each year a major priority. Because these accidents and injuries continue to increase, while deaths and injuries in other types of accidents have been decreasing, it is all the more important to focus attention on more regulation and safety when it comes to semi tractors.

These NHTSA statistics show that in recent year’s car accident fatalities were at an all time low. In 2011 there were only 32,367 deaths. This is a decrease from 2010 of about 1.9 percent. The agency began keeping records on car accident deaths in 1949 and 2011 was a record year when it came to low fatality reports. This is definitely cause for celebration. Decreasing car accident fatalities might mean that roads are safer or that driving is improving. The bad news, however, is that truck accident deaths are on the rise. There was a 20 percent increase from 2010 to 2011. This includes deaths of truck drivers and drivers and passengers in other vehicles. In 2010 there were 530 deaths. This increased to 635 in 2011. Additionally, the number of truck accidents that resulted in injuries increased about 15 percent.

There is not a clear cause for this increase. In some parts of the country speed limits for large vehicles like trucks have been increased, and this may contribute to the problem, but there are also an increasing number of vehicles and large trucks on the road at this point. An improving economy will see a healthier transportation industry and more and more transport vehicles.

St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys

The potential for devastating injuries and property damages is extraordinary when a large truck collides with a passenger vehicle or other motor vehicle. If you have been injured in an accident with a truck, contact an experienced auto accident attorney right away. An attorney can protect your rights, investigate the accident, and make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. After a serious accident you should be able to focus on recovery and know that your attorney will defend and protect you, always having your best interests at heart.

If you have been injured in a truck related accident contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today for a free consultation.

 photo credit: Highway Patrol Images