Semi-truck accidents are a major issue on the roads and highways of America. They are responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries every year, and their frequency is only increasing. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were more than 450,000 semi-truck accidents in the United States in 2018 alone.
The number of semi-truck accidents has been steadily rising for decades; however, the rate of fatalities resulting from these collisions has been decreasing since 2009.
In 2018, there were 4,678 fatalities from semi-truck crashes—down from 5,231 in 2009.
The majority of semi-truck accidents are caused by driver error or negligence. Common errors include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, lane changing without signaling or checking the mirrors, and failing to obey traffic signals and signs. Other causes include mechanical failures such as tire blowouts or brake malfunctions due to inadequate maintenance.
Semi-trucks also present a hazard due to their size and weight. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo—nearly 20 times as much as an average passenger vehicle. This makes them more difficult to stop quickly or maneuver around obstacles in an emergency situation.
The best way to reduce the risk of semi-truck accidents is for all drivers to practice safe driving habits. Drivers should always follow the speed limit, avoid distractions like cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, leave plenty of distance between themselves and other vehicles on the road, signal when changing lanes or turning corners, pay attention to traffic signals and signs at all times.
Semi-truck accidents can be devastating for everyone involved. With proper education and awareness about safe driving practices, we can reduce their frequency and severity on our roads.
In conclusion, there were over 450 thousand semi-truck accidents in 2018 alone which resulted in 4678 fatalities that year. The number of these collisions is increasing every year but thankfully fatalities have been decreasing since 2009 due mostly to driver error or negligence such as speeding or distracted driving.
The best way to reduce the risk of these accidents is through safe driving practices like following speed limits and paying attention to traffic signals/signs. }
