The US trucking industry has been thriving as a means of transportation for goods, where 70 percent of products across America are likely to reach suppliers, retailers, and consumers via truck. Although there are new improvements and breakthroughs every day within trucking development, trucking accidents have become why the industry has gained notoriety and popularity.
By the year 2030, truck and accident experts predict that accidents by truck may become the fifth largest cause of death. The contentious ruling on the Rogel Aguilera-Mederos truck accident case in Colorado shows the extent to which regulators are trying to clamp down in desperation. However, trucks are not going anywhere anytime soon since people all over the US consider this means of transport to be a lucrative source of income and transportation.
The latest research on truck accidents for 2022 reveals 14 interesting facts:
1. The Trucking Industry Value to the US Economy
The US trucking industry is a thriving one; according to a recent report, it is estimated that this sector of the vehicle industry contributed approximately 168.32 billion US dollars to the American gross domestic product.
2. Revenue Research
As suggested previously, the trucking industry brings billions of dollars into the American economy every year. It is gathered that the total annual revenue of the on-land freight trucking industry has been 732.3 billion US dollars within recent years.
3. Who’s Driving?
Recent surveys show approximately 20 000 females out of 3.5 million truck drivers since males make up 94.2 percent of the truck driver population. That being said, according to truck fatality data and statistics by gender and vehicle types, it is gathered that male drivers make up 97 percent of large truck driver fatalities.
4. Seat Belt Usage
Of the truck drivers who were fatally injured in accidents in recent years, 48 percent of them wore seatbelts. As indicated by years of research, wearing a seatbelt may be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe injury and death in the unfortunate event of an accident involving any specific type of vehicle.
5. Hazardous Cargo and Contents
Trucks transport a number of products and contents; however, the contents may include flammable liquids and dangerous cargo that can burn, ignite and catch on fire quickly. Studies show that hazardous cargo is present in 4 percent of the large truck accidents involved in fatal collisions.
6. Registered Trucks in the US
The trucking industry is a thriving one, where recent studies show that approximately 37.9 million trucks are registered within the United States and are used for business purposes, excluding government and farming trucks.
7. Large Truck Speeding Statistics
According to the US department of transportation, 14 percent of light truck drivers and 7 percent of larger truck drivers suffered fatal crashes and accidents due to speeding.
8. Tractor Trailers V.S Single Unit Trucks
It may be assumed that the size and weight of any specific vehicle may directly impact maneuverability and stability on the road, which is why research gathers that trucks are more likely to be susceptible to accidents and crashes as opposed to passenger vehicles. That being said, tractor-trailer trucks cause approximately 74 percent more fatalities compared to single-unit trucks on the road.
9. Fatality Research By Gender
Research shows that 4 949 truck drivers have been involved in fatal crashes and accidents in recent years. The average age of large truck drivers involved was 43.7 years for female drivers and 46.5 years for male drivers.
10. Passenger and Pedestrian Fatalities
More often than not, the driver of a vehicle in an accident is not the only one affected by a crash. In 2.5 percent of fatal large truck crashes, the passenger of a truck was killed, in 9.1 percent of fatal large truck accidents, a pedestrian was killed, and in 1.8 percent, a cyclist was killed.
11. Multiple Vehicle Crashes
Research indicates that 64 percent of large truck occupants involved in accidents with multiple-vehicle crashes suffered fatal injuries when the other vehicle involved was another large truck.
12. Where do Accidents Happen?
Trucks drive on all kinds of roads and surfaces to meet delivery times and deadlines. Studies show that a little over half of the fatal truck-related crashes are likely to happen on major roads, interstates, and freeway routes instead of minor and rural roads.
13. What Time are Accidents More Likely to Happen?
As suggested from previous research, passenger vehicle occupants are more likely to be affected by truck and large vehicle accidents. Recent research indicates that 48 percent of fatal truck accidents and crashes are likely to happen within the time frame of 6 a.m and 3 p.m, and 17 percent of the accident fatalities involving a truck crash occurred on the weekend.
14. Top Causes of Truck and Large Vehicle Accidents
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol and drug abuse are not among the top causes of trucking accidents and crashes. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study conducted by the FMCA found that accidents involving tire and mechanical truck defects, fatigue, and new tour routes are the most common causes of truck accidents. Apart from those reasons, the study also discovered that a frequent cause of truck crashes is aggressive driving.
Sources and References
- Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts
- Driving Statistics
- Large Trucks Injury Facts
- American Trucking Associations
