The newest statistical information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) paints a grim picture regarding the dangers surrounding large trucks, buses and similar vehicles.
According to the newly released data, which looks at the differences in crash rates between 2018 and 2019, there was an uptick in the number of fatal wrecks – and many think that the situation may get worse.
What’s going on with the trucking industry?
Roughly 1% of the 510,000 accidents involving large trucks in 2019 resulted in fatalities, and 29% resulted in injuries, but the total number of fatal wrecks involving trucks was higher than any year since 2005.
Could it get worse? Quite possibly. The figures still aren’t in for 2020 and 2021, but there have been massive shifts in the way that people in this country live, work and relax, and that’s created a massive demand for online goods – all of which have to be delivered. Plus, many seasoned truckers have retired in the last few years due to age, ill-health and an inability to adjust to changes in the industry.
All of that has led to a massive shortage of drivers. The American Trucking Association estimates the nation isabout 80,000 truckers short right now, with no end in sight. That means that many truckers who are out there on the roads may be:
- Relatively new and inexperienced, thus less-equipped to handle different road conditions and dangers
- Tired and overworked, no matter what their age or experience level, which can lead to fatigued driving
- Rushed and stressed over their delivery times, which can also lead to aggressive driving or distracted driving
Whatever the situation, it’s wise to be cautious out there on the roads these days. You never really know who is driving that big rig next to you. If you are injured or a loved one is killed, find out more about your legal options to hold a negligent driver and their company accountable.
