Is The Trucking Industry Keeping Pace With Safety Standards?
Texas is experiencing more truck wrecks on its roads and highways and the injuries to other drivers is often catastrophic," stated Tim Riley, a well-known truck accident attorney in Houston, Texas. "There are safety rules and regulations for the trucking companies and truck drivers but too many are in violation. State officials can't monitor every truck or truck driver so the rules and regulations are largely dependent on voluntary compliance."
Large trucks are a necessary part of the American economy but their size and speed are a significant threat to other drivers on the road. The number of miles driven by all vehicles in Texas in 2021 was more than 288 billion. This was a 10.6% increase of over 260 billion in 2020.
Currently, there is a shortage of qualified truck drivers in Texas and throughout the nation. Trucking companies are facing delivery deadlines and are too often tempted to violate the regulations regarding hours driven. In addition, truck drivers are also tempted to drive longer hours than permitted by the regulations. These regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Common Causes Of Truck Wrecks
Distraction
Electronic devices such as cell phones and navigational devices are often the source of driver distraction. Eating food or adjusting the radio are also causes of driver distraction.
Jackknife Accidents
These truck wrecks happen when the truck driver in the tractor has lost control of the attached trailer. In these cases, the trailer swings around to one side of the tractor. These semi-truck wrecks are very dangerous because the loaded trailer can impact multiple vehicles before coming to rest. Jackknife wrecks commonly occur when the truck driver brakes improperly and/or during inclement weather and poor road conditions.
Failure To Yield
Truck wrecks also occur when the truck driver fails to yield to other drivers. This can also include improper land changes, running red lights, and violating the right-of-way when driving through intersections.
Sideswipe Accidents
In a sideswipe truck wreck, the truck and another vehicle are usually traveling in the same direction. These accidents often occur when the truck driver fails to check the blind spots when lane changing or merging.
Rollovers
Trucks have a high center of gravity because of their height. A higher center of gravity means trucks should be careful when making tight turns or swerving suddenly. Rollovers can also occur due to tire failure or improperly loaded cargo.
Nationwide Fatal Crashes Involving Large Trucks In 2020
There were 4444 total fatal large truck wrecks in the USA in 2020. Slightly less than 75% of these fatalities were from trucks traveling 50 miles per hour or faster. The statistics below were sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
71.6% - collision with a vehicle in transport
10.2% - collision with a fixed object
9.6% - collision with a pedestrian
3.6% - rollover or overturn
The percentages above represent approximately 95% of the fatal big truck wrecks in the USA in 2020. In 2018 there were 4461 fatalities and in 2019 there were 4502 fatalities.
Texas Fatal Crashes Involving Large Trucks In 2020
According to the Texas Department of Transportation there were 32,580 total crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in Texas in 2020. The result was 580 fatalities and a total of 4441 possible injury crashes. A total of 3298 people were classified as having "unknown injuries".
When viewing all vehicle fatalities in Texas by date there was at least one fatality every day in 2021. The lowest was 1 on March 2, 2021. The highest was 27 fatalities on October 22, 2021. August 2021 was the worst month with 418 fatalities.
Most Dangerous Texas Counties From Semi-Truck Wrecks
Harris - 4915 Truck Wrecks
Dallas - 3735 Truck Wrecks
Bexar - 2137 Truck Wrecks
Tarrant - 1781 Truck Wrecks
Tim Riley has 30+ years as a personal injury attorney and has represented numerous victims in truck accident lawsuits. "There will always be reckless, negligent, and apathetic people in the trucking industry. They should be forced to compensate those who have been injured or killed due to their irresponsible behavior. Sometimes they are sent to prison. But a personal injury lawsuit will force the responsible parties to face a jury and pay for the medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering of the victims. That is my job, to help the victims and families repair their lives and move forward," commented Mr. Riley.
