Truck Deaths in Work Zones Increasing

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is worried – and for good reason: the number of fatal work zone crashes involving large trucks (as well as the number of large-truck-related fatalities in general) is on the rise. Automobile accidents are already the leading cause of death on the job as well as among certain (primarily younger) age groups, so this trend presents a serious cause for concern.

Most transportation-related accidents that take place are preventable, but not without every driver committing to stay informed and pledging to be responsible behind the wheel. Trucking accidents can be especially catastrophic, but drivers can avoid these accidents by taking just a few simple and straightforward steps.

Stats on trucking accidents and fatalities

At a recent Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, the FMSCA’s chief safety officer highlighted a steady increase in large-truck-occupant fatalities over the past 2-to-4 years. While there were 4,629 fatal incidents involving at least one large truck in 2016, the number grew to 5,005 the very next year.

Unsurprisingly, the number of fatal work zone crashes involving at least one large truck during that same time period also demonstrated a marked increase (representing 26.8% of total motor vehicle crashes in 2015, 27.2% in 2016, and 30.4% in 2017). In addition, more than one-third of the victims were found to not be wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.

Top Five Driver-Related Factors in Deadly Trucking Accidents

The FMSCA says that certain driver-related factors are known for playing the deadliest roles in trucking accidents. According to the administration, the are:

1. Speeding,
2. Distractions (e.g. cell phone use, eating, drinking, etc.),
3. Failure to yield right of way,
4. Impairment – fatigue, and:
5. Careless driving

These behaviors are all human – or in other words controllable – ones. For example, if a driver becomes fatigued he or she should pull over in a safe area and put the car in park (instead of staying on the road and risk getting involved in a deadly accident – as well as the possibility of hurting someone else).

If you would like to learn more information about trucking accidents, you can visit this resource page. If you have additional questions, please contact a representative at our firm directly.

Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Represent Victims of Truck Accidents

If you have a legal question or concern, please contact our Philadelphia truck accident lawyers at Galfand Berger. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.