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 [...]
Most of us have heard about increased focus and investment in autonomous vehicles, also referred to as driverless automobiles, in recent years. While it's been hard to miss stories in the media about Tesla, Waymo, and other brands of self-driving cars operating in the U.S., far fewer reports have been published about driverless trucks. That doesn't mean that the technology doesn't exist or that it isn't being tested, though. It is. If you're curious about how many autonomous trucks are currently on the road in the U.S., a [...]
Any type of car accident is unwelcome, but a collision with a semi-rig truck is especially destructive and will always make the local news. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collects data about truck crashes and finds that large trucks account for 5% of all registered vehicles on the road. In 2022, 4,764 people will be killed in accidents involving trucks. There are many reasons why a truck gets involved in an accident, including the following: Reckless driving Distracted driving Aggressive driving Mechanical malfunctions Speeding Cargo shifting [...]
We can’t survive without the trucking industry. Whether a product is delivered by cargo ship or made in a warehouse, it will be picked up by a truck that will then drive it to another warehouse or store for distribution. It is safe to assume that everything in your home spent time on a truck. Online estimates suggest that there are 13 million trucks registered in the U.S. That is just a fraction of 283 million registered vehicles of all types. It also means that every trip on a [...]
Even though they don’t happen as often as car crashes, truck accidents always make the news. That's especially true if the collisions trigger traffic jams and fiery explosions. Any time you get behind the wheel of your car, you need to be on alert for the potential for a wreck. When you approach a truck, you have to be extra diligent. It will help to know when, why, and where most truck accidents occur. Types of Roadways Where Tractor-Trailer Crashes Happen A good day for the Insurance Institute [...]
As you approach any work zone, traffic naturally seems to slow down. That is how it should go. Unfortunately, many motorists and truck drivers tend to ignore the warnings, which can lead to some serious collisions. How often do truck accidents happen in work zones? According to the National Workzone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were a total of 96,000 work zone crashes in 2022. Of that number, 282 fatalities were caused by commercial vehicle crashes. Common Causes for Truck Accidents in Work Zones Work zones can involve projects [...]
Truck tires are the lifeline of the transportation industry, bearing the weight of heavy loads over long distances. However, the risk of tire blowouts poses a significant concern for truck drivers and fleet operators alike. Understanding how often do truck tires blow out, along with the factors contributing to these incidents, is crucial for maintaining safety on the road and minimizing disruptions to logistics operations. In this post, we'll discuss the statistics, causes, and preventive measures surrounding truck tire blowouts. Frequency of Truck Tire Blowouts Truck tire blowouts, [...]
With April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we want to tackle the tough topic of distracted driving. While on the road, many people text on the phone or adjust the radio. But did you know those actions can lead to serious injuries? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3,000 people are killed and 424,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers every year. Distracted driving is a serious concern with any vehicle on the road. But when you add the size and weight of a [...]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released its annual report on traffic fatalities for 2022. Unfortunately, the numbers are grim. These deaths have once again surged, surpassing 5,900 lives lost. As the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) Board President Tami Friedrich stated, "This is unacceptable." These numbers demonstrate that it is time for the government to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life on our roads. The Alarming Statistics According to the report, a stunning 5,936 people, including truck drivers, lost their lives in accidents. [...]
