The most recent truck accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides an alarming look at the seriousness of truck accidents and the number of fatalities associated with them. While it is true that truck accidents occur, not only in Colorado but all throughout the country, the statistics from 2014 show that there are several states that top the list for having the most fatal truck accidents.
According to the NHTSA, the number of deaths stemming from trucking accidents has increased on a steady basis every year since 2009. For instance, in 2012, there were over 330,000 accidents that involved trucks in the U.S., and over 3,900 of them resulted in fatalities, while over 100,000 of them lead to injuries. So, where are these accidents taking place?
The Top 10 States With the Most Fatalities Stemming From Trucking Accidents
Topping the 2014 list at number 1 in Texas with 543 truck-related accidents resulting in fatalities. California came in at number 2 with 244 fatalities and Florida was number 3 with 194 fatal truck crashes. Numbers 4, 5 and 6 were Pennsylvania, Georgia and Ohio, with 175, 149 and 146 fatalities, respectively.
North Carolina made the list at number 7 with 132 truck-related fatalities, while Oklahoma was close behind them at number 8 with 124 fatal truck crashes. Indiana and Illinois were numbers 9 and 10, respectively, with both states having an equal number of fatal truck accidents (115 per state).
While we are glad to see that Colorado is not among the top 10 in this regard, the numbers are still quite alarming and it is clearly evident that some highways in the U.S. are more dangerous than others when it comes to truck crashes and fatalities.
What Can Be Done to Lower the Number of Truck Accidents?
Truck operators throughout the country have already started to consider enacting a number of new and improved protocols in an effort to keep huge commercial vehicles off the road during peak (or rush) hours in both the morning and evening. Some manufacturers are even looking at ways to reduce the weight and overall size of commercial vehicles so that if they are involved in collisions, the damage might be reduced.
Lawmakers and safety advocates have long sought to improve warning and safety features in trucks and other types of vehicles, and other measures are being pursued to ensure current restrictions and laws are adhered to, particularly as they relate to driver rest breaks and time-tracking practices.
Nevertheless, as long as trucks are on the road, the risk of a collision is very real for everyone traveling. That said, if you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident or any other type of collision, contact a Denver truck accident attorney at Levine Law as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights and options.
