Truck accidents are very scary because of the size and weight of the vehicles. These accidents often lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities.
Truck accident statistics in the United States just show how deadly these accidents can be and the need for extra security and awareness on the road. Here are five alarming statistics that paint a clear picture of how dangerous truck accidents can be.
1. Over 4,000 People Are Killed Annually in Large Truck Accidents
Any truck weighing over 10,000 pounds falls under the large trucks category. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, since 2021, over 4,000 people have been killed annually. The exact numbers are as follows:
- 2021: 5,824 fatalities
- 2022: 5,417 fatalities
- 2023: 4,807 fatalities
2023 recorded the lowest number of fatalities since 2021. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2021, which recorded the highest number of truck accident deaths, 72% of the people who lost their lives were occupants of other vehicles. 17% were people in large trucks, and 11% were comprised of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
2. 53% of Large Truck Fatal Accidents Occur on Rural Roads
According to the NTSA, more fatal truck accidents were recorded on rural roads than on interstates and work zones. 53% of fatal traffic crashes were in rural areas, and only 26% were recorded on interstate roads.
Additionally, 4.5% of crashes were in the work zone. This shows truck accidents are less likely to happen in the work areas. Most fatal accidents happened on weekdays during daytime from 6 a.m. to 5.59 p.m.
3. More than 100,000 Large Truck Injury Crashes Were Recorded Between 2016 and 2021
The number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased by 18% since 2016. The rate of accidents per 100 million large truck miles also went up by 5.7% from 35 to 37.
Statistics from the National Safety Council show that in 2022, 120,000 non-fatal crashes that resulted in injuries happened in the US. This was the highest recorded figure between 2016 and 2022.
Out of those injured in 2022, only 42,000 (26.1%) were truck drivers. The highest number of injured were other vehicle occupants at 117,000 (72.7%) and only 2,000 (1.3%) were non-vehicle road users.
4. More Than 500,000 Large Truck Accidents in 2021
2021 recorded one of the highest instances of large truck accidents in the US. Five hundred twenty-three thousand seven hundred ninety-six accidents happened that year.
Even though not all these crashes result in fatalities, over 100,000 caused injuries, some severe and others life-threatening, the rise of these crashes can be attributed to several factors, like speeding due to pressure to meet deadlines and congested roadways.
5. 3% of Fatal Large Truck Accidents in 2021 Were Caused by Drunk Drivers
Drivers are considered to be under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) levels are .08 g/dL or higher. In 2021, 3% of fatal large truck crashes were caused by drivers who were above this limit.
Light trucks caused 20% of fatal crashes. Despite this number being lower than passenger cars and motorcycles, it is still very alarming compared to the risks a truck accident poses on the roads.
Conclusion
These statistics show the significant risks of truck accidents in the country. To reduce these incidents, trucking companies should place more strict measures. Infrastructure, especially in rural areas, should be improved. Also, drivers should get better training to improve their vigilance on the road.
