18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Are on the Rise

According to a news report published on Ttnews.com, fatal crashes involving large trucks increased in 2019. The one percent rise in fatal truck crashes occurred even as other types of fatal collisions dropped. The numbers are based on data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Large trucks are defined as those weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Both commercial and noncommercial vehicles are included in the statistics.

While large truck crashes rose, fatal collisions involving other vehicles declined for the third year in a row. Declines in traffic fatalities took place in 2017 and 2018, indicating a streak of improving traffic safety. However, 36,120 people still lost their lives in vehicle collisions last year. That number shows a decline of just 1.2 percent as compared to 2018 and indicates 440 fewer fatalities.

In 2019, the number a vehicle-miles traveled increased. As a result, the rate of fatalities per mile dropped to 1.1 death for every 100 million vehicle miles, down from 1.13 in 2018. The numbers are based on early estimates, but if they are correct, they are the second-lowest recorded. Unfortunately, the improvements were not experienced in the southeast part of the country.

Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and South Carolina are part of what the NHTSA refers to as the southeast. The southeast is one of ten regions that the NHTSA divides the nation into, and in the southeast, the NHTSA reports a two percent increase in fatal crashes in 2019.

According to the NHTSA, the numbers are new, and researchers have not yet looked into the implications or factors leading to traffic fatality trends in the United States. In terms of commercial vehicles, increasing speed limits, distracted driving, and impaired driving could all be increasing risks on the road.

Our 18-wheeler tractor-trailer truck accident lawsuit lawyers represent truck accident victims and families who lost family members in truck accidents caused by negligence. We invite you to speak with us about your case and an initial consultation, so contact us at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529), or fill out our case inquiry form, or visit us in person.

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