Over-the-road trucking fatalities are on the rise.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities from big truck crashes rose in 2017, despite the decline in the overall traffic fatality rate for the same year. Of the 4,761 deaths attributed to big truck crashes, about 1,300 of those deaths were truck drivers. The remaining 72 percent of trucking fatalities occurred in the other vehicle involved in the accident. Additionally, deaths in over-the-road tractor trailers rose 5.8 percent in 2016.
Many of these fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving, in spite of the increased use and requirements of driver assistance safety features and technology found on most large, commercial trucks.
Trucking Accidents Can Be Fatal
While yearly Missouri truck accident totals may be lower compared to the number of car accidents that occur in our state, crashes involving commercial semi trucks are often significantly more dangerous and could be fatal.
Data from the Missouri Department of Transportation shows that throughout the past decade, Missouri truck accident fatalities have accounted for 11 – 15 percent of all traffic deaths each year. The size and weight of a commercial tractor-trailer results in a large amount of force being exerted during the impact of a crash.
Common Truck Accident Causes
Some of the most common causes of Missouri truck accidents are listed as:
- Driver Fatigue
- Poorly Maintained Equipment
- Oversize or Overweight Loads
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
So how do you avoid a Missouri truck accident? Sticklen and Dreyer personal injury lawyers recommend that you keep your safety at the front of your mind at all times when driving. Be sure to buckle up as soon as you sit down and also get rid of anything that could distract you while you drive. Pay attention to speed limits and be a good defensive driver.
Contact Us
If you’ve been a victim of a trucking accident, contact Sticklen Dreyer Tinney Personal Injury Attorneys to help you build your case. You can reach us by using the contact form on our website. We are happy to help you get the compensation you deserve.