Trucks play an essential role in a country’s economy, transporting raw materials and goods over long distances and even locally. Sadly, they also pose accident risks due to their size, excessive weight, and long operating hours, making drivers vulnerable to driver fatigue.
The truck accident statistics in the US show that accidents are a severe issue that needs to be addressed since the tragedy leaves physical and emotional scars on many people. Victims should work with truck accident attorneys to get the compensation they deserve and punish the at-fault parties.
The statistics below clarify the severity of truck accidents in the U.S.
- In 2021, a total of 5788 individuals died in truck accidents. This is a 17% increase compared to the previous year, 2020, and 47% for the past ten years. The majority of these unfortunate deaths in these truck accidents were occupants of other motor vehicles, 72%, while 17% were truck users, and the rest were bicyclists and pedestrians (11%).
- Large truck accidents increased from 415,444 to 523,796 in a span of only one year, from 2020 to 2021. The big increase is attributed to lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In 2021, when the government had to loosen COVID-related restrictions, there were more truck collisions because there were an increased number of vehicles and motorists on the road.
- From 2015 to 2019, Nevada saw a disastrous toll as around 650 people died from fatal accidents. It’s saddening that a good percentage of these involved large trucks, about 10%. These accidents usually leave communities grieving, and families shattered, not knowing what to do without their loved ones.
- Huge trucks weighing 10000 to 14000 pounds were involved in deadly accidents from 2018 to 2020, and the number increased from 635 to 724. Each of these accidents that occur leads to massive property damage, the loss of people, and several victims who struggle with injuries.
- Out of the accidents in 2028, 24%, or almost a quarter, of the enormous truck operators involved in severe accidents had at least one prior speeding conviction, compared to 18% of car motorists involved in deadly crashes.
- If you compare the number of crash fatalities between large trucks and other vehicles in 2021 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., you’ll find that 50% were large trucks while only 28% were other vehicles. This shows that truck accidents are a much more serious issue than other vehicle accidents.
- When large truck accidents occur, they are likely to cause more dangerous fires. Statistically, huge commercial trucks are accountable for almost 7,000 fires per year, which accounts for 17% of dangerous fires on roads.
- Most fatal accidents involving trucks involve another vehicle that is smaller than the truck. In 30 percent of these deadly accidents in 2021, both vehicles were affected in the front. The truck was hit in the rare approximately 3.2 times as often as the other motor vehicles, which is 19% and 6%, respectively.
- Fatal truck crashes can occur anywhere but are more prevalent in certain places than others. For example, rural regions have higher risks compared to urban areas. 55% of lethal truck accidents happened in rural regions, compared to 45% of those in urban areas.
Conclusion
The statistics of truck accidents in the U.S. as a whole reveal the sad reality of the intense toll they take on people’s lives, their communities, and even the economy. The trend in mortalities, combined with the effect on occupants of other motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, shows the urgent need for appropriate measures to address this issue.