Truck accidents are not as frequent as car accidents, but there is no doubt that the number of trucks which are involved in collisions is on the rise. This of course is based on the fact that there are more trucks on the road than ever before. In fact here in the USA, some 70% of products arrive at their destination via trucks. Here in Connecticut truck accident law firm Gould Injury Law, have been discussing the dangers of truck accents and why it is so important that they are avoided. To further compound this message, here are some stats about truck accidents which may surprise you.
Increased Trucking
We know that there has been an increase in the number of trucks on the road, and this directly correlates with an increase of trucking accidents each year. In fact since 2009 we have seen a rise of 52% in the number of accidents each and every year, and figures are continuing to rise.
Risk of Fatality
Owing to the size and the weight of a truck versus that of a car, it makes sense that truck accidents are overrepresented when it comes to the number of fatalities on the road. Studies have proven this and you may be surprised to learn that 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle incidents include a large truck.
Cause of Crashes
Whilst there are a number of causes of truck accidents such as driver behavior and poorly loaded cargo, it is the tires which are the most common culprit here. In fact tire defects currently account for just over 30% of every truck-related accident on the road. This is often down to poor quality tires and also down to poorly maintained trucks.
Lunchtime Risk
Despite the fact that trucks are on the road all day and night, the largest number of accidents actually take place at lunchtime. Last year alone we saw some 19% of all truck accents occur between the hours of 12 and 3. This is most likely because of the volume of traffic on the road during these hours of the day.
Most At Risk
Despite the fact that truck drivers are manning such a large machine, it is the passenger vehicle occupants who are most at risk from these accidents. In fact recent data suggests that just under 69% of fatalities from truck accents are passengers or drivers of another motor vehicle. This is exactly why truck drivers have to be so careful when they are operating the truck, because they are literally driving a vehicle which can result in loss of life if they have an accident.
More is being done all of the time of course to make sure that trucks are as safe as they can be, and in recent years we have seen speed limits added to the vehicles and additional protection around the truck itself. With this being said however, given the rise in trucks on the road and the damage which they can cause, more still has to be done.
