Large Truck Safety Facts
Collisions involving large trucks (gross vehicle rating greater than 10,000 pounds) are an increasing problem. Trucks are getting bigger, and cars are getting smaller, but both have to share the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted data on fatal large truck collisions from 2007. It shows the following:
* One of out nine traffic fatalities in 2007 resulted from a collision involving a large truck
* 12% of all traffic fatalities in 2007 involved a collision with a large truck. This is an increase from 2006, where 8% of all fatal collisions involved a large truck.
* Large trucks are much more likely to be involved in a multiple vehicle collision - as opposed to a fatal single vehicle crash - than were passenger cars. (82% of all large trucks involved in fatal crashes, compared with 59% of all passenger vehicles)
* About 62% of fatal collisions involving large trucks occurred in rural areas, and most collisions occurred during the daytime, and on weekdays.
* About one quarter of all truck drivers involved in a fatal crash in 2007 had at least one prior speeding conviction, which is a bit more than passenger drivers also involved in fatal collisions.
