At What Speed Do Most Truck Accidents Happen?

At What Speed Do Most Truck Accidents Happen

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported almost 160,000 truck accidents in the US in 2023, resulting in nearly 75,000 injuries and 5000 fatalities.

These accidents can occur at any speed, but certain speed ranges make crashes more likely and more severe. While many people assume that high-speed collisions cause the most accidents, data shows that a significant number of truck crashes happen at moderate speeds.

Understanding the speed at which most truck accidents occur helps drivers, trucking companies, and policymakers improve road safety and prevent devastating collisions.

Speed as a Factor in Truck Accidents

Speed plays a major role in both the frequency and severity of truck accidents. Commercial trucks need more time and greater distance to come to a stop than passenger vehicles. This makes speed a critical factor in preventing a crash. The faster a truck is moving, the longer it will take to slow down or stop, and the higher the likelihood of rear-end collisions and jackknife accidents.

However, low-speed accidents also pose risks, especially in urban areas and work zones where trucks navigate through traffic, pedestrians, and complex road layouts. It’s important to know the speed ranges where most truck accidents happen so you can adjust your habits and improve safety.

Speed Ranges Where Most Truck Accidents Occur

Moderate Speeds (35-55 MPH)

Most truck accidents happen at moderate speeds, typically between 35 and 55 miles per hour (mph). This range includes both city highways and rural roads where trucks interact with passenger vehicles, intersections, and changing traffic patterns.

  • Highway congestion – Many crashes happen when trucks travel at moderate speeds in congested traffic. Making a sudden stop or lane change increases the risk of collisions, especially for larger trucks that need more space to maneuver.
  • Rural road conditions – Two-lane highways and rural roads see a high number of truck accidents. Limited visibility, tight curves, and unexpected obstacles contribute to crashes in this speed range.
  • Intersection dangers – Trucks traveling at moderate speeds through intersections face risks from other vehicles failing to yield, making left turns, or running red lights.

Highway Speeds (55-75 MPH)

While truck accidents do occur at high speeds, they are not as common as moderate-speed crashes. However, when they do happen, they often result in severe injuries or fatalities.

  • Increased stopping distance – A fully loaded truck that going 65 mph will need more than 500 feet to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver fails to anticipate a slowdown, a high-speed rear-end collision can occur.
  • Rollover risks – Trucks traveling at highway speeds face a higher risk of rollover accidents, especially if they take curves too fast or experience a tire blowout.
  • Weather-related crashes – High-speed truck accidents frequently happen in poor weather, like rain, snow, or heavy fog. When roads get slippery, trucks can lose traction and be harder to control.

Low-Speed Accidents (Below 35 MPH)

Although less frequent, truck accidents at speeds below 35 mph still occur, especially in city environments, construction zones, and parking areas.

  • Urban traffic hazards – Trucks being driven on city streets have to deal with stoplights, pedestrian crossings, and parked cars. Low-speed collisions often involve side-impact crashes or hitting fixed objects.
  • Work zone crashes – Construction zones require reduced speeds, but narrow lanes and unexpected lane shifts increase accident risks.
  • Backing accidents – Low-speed crashes often occur when trucks back up in parking lots or delivery zones. The increased size of a truck’s blind spots can make it hard for drivers to see pedestrians or other vehicles.

Why Moderate-Speed Accidents Are the Most Common

Several factors explain why most truck accidents happen at moderate speeds rather than at extremely high or low speeds.

More trucks operate in this range.

The majority of truck travel occurs on highways and arterial roads with speed limits between 35 and 55 mph.

Traffic flow issues

Trucks traveling at moderate speeds often share the road with passenger vehicles that stop, merge, or make sudden movements.

Driver reaction times

At moderate speeds, drivers may misjudge distances, causing late braking or unsafe lane changes.

How to Reduce Truck Accidents at Any Speed

Truck drivers, passenger vehicles, and policymakers can take steps to reduce accidents across all speed ranges.

  • Truck drivers should maintain safe following distances to allow themselves more time to brake and maneuver in traffic.
  • Passenger vehicle drivers shouldn’t cut off trucks or make sudden lane changes in front of them trying to “squeeze in.”
  • Trucking companies should monitor speed compliance using GPS and telematics to ensure drivers follow speed limits and avoid aggressive driving.
  • State and federal agencies should enforce speed restrictions in high-risk areas, such as work zones and congested highways.

Most truck accidents happen at moderate speeds, between 35 and 55 mph, where traffic congestion, intersections, and rural roads create hazards.

While high-speed crashes cause severe damage, they are less frequent. Low-speed accidents, though less deadly, still pose risks in urban areas and work zones. At Trucking Injury Law Group, we believe that by understanding where and why truck accidents occur at different speeds, drivers can take precautions to improve safety on the road.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and suspect that speed was a factor, our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you seek justice.