What Percentage of Semi-Truck Accidents Are Fatal?

Semi-trucks, also known as 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, are an ever-present feature of the United States’ roads and highways. Unfortunately, they are also responsible for a disproportionately high number of fatal accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,136 fatalities in large truck crashes in 2017 alone. That’s more than 10% of all road fatalities in the United States that year.

The size and weight of a semi-truck is one factor that makes it particularly deadly. The average semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded and can be up to 75 feet long. This sheer size and weight makes it difficult for an 18-wheeler to stop suddenly or maneuver quickly enough to avoid an accident.

Another factor that contributes to the high number of fatal semi-truck accidents is driver fatigue. Semi-truck drivers are often on the road for long hours and must adhere to strict delivery schedules in order to make a living. As a result, many drivers push themselves beyond their physical limits in order to meet deadlines, leading to drowsy driving and potentially deadly mistakes on the road.

Finally, many semi-trucks lack basic safety features such as seat belts and airbags which could prevent serious injury or death in an accident. This is due in part to the fact that many trucking companies prioritize low costs over safety when purchasing new vehicles.

In conclusion, semi-trucks are responsible for a large number of fatal accidents each year due to their size, weight, driver fatigue and lack of safety features. According to NHTSA data from 2017, 10% of all road fatalities were caused by large truck crashes – making them one of the most dangerous vehicles on America’s highways today.

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Stephen Dunn