Sharing the Texas roads with large trucks is a necessity. Understanding that these huge vehicles carry a certain level of danger does not eliminate the concerns many will feel when encountering them. Although safety advancements are becoming increasingly standard, there remain inherent risks for a trucking accident with injuries and fatalities. Dangers include distracted driving, drowsy driving, truckers who have been drinking or using drugs, and speeding.
Statistics show truck fatality rates are stable
Statistically, truck fatalities have been stable, but underlying concerns remain. For those injured or who have lost a loved one in a truck crash, these numbers and other aspects of research can be vital. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were around the same number of truck fatalities in 2018 (5,006) and 2019 (5,005). Overall, in 2019, there was a reduction in road deaths by 2%. This occurred as miles driven increased by about 1%. The numbers resulted in the fewest fatalities since 2014. In addition to this information, preliminary numbers for 2020 were released.
For the first six months of 2020, the number of road deaths kept declining. For the second quarter of the year, there were almost 8,900 fatalities. That was a reduction of more than 3% from the same time in 2019. However, it is important to note that there were fewer vehicles on the road because of the ongoing health challenges. Certain factors were common in fatal accidents from March to July. Two of every three drivers in a crash with injuries or death had an illegal substance in their system with opioids a major issue. Less traffic on the road also resulted in more drivers feeling emboldened to drive above the speed limit.
Truck accidents can cause significant damage
People who are involved in a truck crash should understand the obstacles they will likely face in the aftermath. Since trucks are so massive, the level of damage they can do is substantial. People may be hospitalized, need surgery and rehabilitation, have problems returning to their normal work and home life, and face seemingly endless challenges. If there was a fatality, the problems are made exponentially worse. Despite the fatalities being statistically similar from one year to the next, a truck crash can occur without warning. For help in recovering compensation for all that was lost, consulting with a legal firm experienced in truck accidents and personal injury is a wise step.
