Trucking is the beating heart of the American economy, transporting billions of dollars in goods annually. Despite their epic economic importance, their large size makes them inherently dangerous. But how dangerous are they really?
Trucking is the beating heart of the American economy, transporting billions of dollars in goods annually. Despite their epic economic importance, their large size makes them inherently dangerous. Trucks spend more time on the road than any other vehicle, and data shows truck drivers have one of America’s most challenging jobs. But how dangerous are they really? The statistics below will help you better understand their importance, worth, and danger.
Trucking is an important component of the trade of goods and materials. It consists of a complex network of transportation networks, businesses, and government agencies that facilitate the transport of goods from one location to another. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Trucking, estimated at US$2.2 Trillion in 2022, is expected to grow to US$2.7 Trillion by 2026.
According to the report, The United States accounts for 24.07% of the global market, and in 2022, its estimated worth reached US$532.7 billion. China, the world’s second-largest economy, is expected to have a market worth $586.8 billion by 2026. Germany is expected to grow at a 2.6% CAGR within Europe, and the rest of the European market will reach US$626.4 billion by the end of the analysis period.
While there is no denying that these multi-ton rigs are essential for keeping modern society moving, it is clear that they have the potential to be extremely dangerous. Trucks typically weigh 20-30 times more than a typical passenger vehicle and can cause extensive damage.
Since they are more sensitive to momentum shifts, high winds, and sudden changes in road conditions, they are more prone to cause accidents. And more often than not, these truck accidents end up causing fatalities.
More specifically, reports on truck fatalities show:
In 2020, an estimated 146,930 people were injured in large truck crashes, an 8% decrease from an estimated 159,359 in 2019. 68% (99,501) of those injured were occupants of other vehicles, 31% (44,934) were occupants of large trucks, and 2% (2,496) were nonoccupants.
The trend, unfortunately, was not much different in 2021. The latest data report on truck fatalities shows that the total estimated fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck increased by 13% from 2020 to 2021. More precisely, in 2021, there were 5,601 fatalities involving at least one large truck, up from 4,965 in 2020.
Only three months of the year saw a decrease in deaths when compared to the previous year’s report: January (12% versus 14% in 2020), February (13% versus 14%), and October (12% versus 14%). All other months’ recorded fatalities increased or remained constant.
Further statistics show a
Over half of all truck-related accidents occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways. Saturday and Sunday appear to be the safest days for drivers.
Only 24% of all truck vehicle accidents were recorded on weekends; that share was 37% during daytime and 63% during nighttime.
On the other hand, 76% of all truck-related accidents were noted on weekdays—72% daytime and 28% nighttime.
The report also notes that over 60% of crashes occur during the daytime and only 37% during the nighttime. Only 5% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in construction zones.
Truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. However, only a few industries have a higher rate of accidental injury and death than the trucking industry. The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 4,764 fatal work injuries in the United States.
Transportation incidents accounts for
Speed undoubtedly is one of the main reasons behind truck accidents. Almost 19% of all large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had at least one prior speeding conviction, slightly higher than passenger car drivers involved in fatal crashes (18.8% versus 18.7%). These drivers also had a higher percentage (21.3%) of previously recorded crashes than drivers of other vehicle types (20.5% for motorcycles and 19.7% for passenger cars).
In addition, driver fatigue is a growing issue, particularly in truck accidents, and it can have disastrous consequences. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that over 13% of commercial truck drivers were fatigued during accidents. Driving while fatigued frequently results in impaired judgment, slowed response times, and focus and attention lapses. Some drivers even fall asleep behind the wheel.
On the other hand, contrary to the belief that alcohol could be one of the main reasons truck accidents happen, data shows that only 3% of large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were under the influence of alcohol. In 2020, the percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in other types of vehicles involved in crashes was 27% for motorcycles, 23% for passenger cars, and 19% for light trucks.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict every potential action taken by another driver on the road. However, doing your best to drive safely and following these best practices, could reduce the risk of being involved in a truck accident:
If a truck accident causes personal injury or property damage, the injured party has the right to seek compensation- You can either file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. However, receiving compensation after being injured in this type of accident is slightly more difficult than in other types of car accidents. In the case of commercial vehicles, the claim is usually made against the trucking company rather than the driver.
Trucks are essential in the U.S. and global economies. The trucking industry in the United States is consistently growing, even though newer and faster modes of transportation are being invented daily. Despite their importance, based on the information presented thus far, we can conclude that large truck accidents are a severe concern on public roads worldwide. Thousands of people are killed, and tens of thousands are injured yearly due to such events.
NCSA
BLS
FMCSA
Research and Markets