Commercial Trucks: More Dangerous Than Other Vehicles

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Truck Accidents on Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

What’s the most dangerous vehicle on the roads? What should you look out for when you’re driving? Studies have suggested that you should avoid being on roads heavy with commercial trucking traffic if you want to lessen the risk of an accident.

Commercial trucks are dangerous on the roads, and there’s evidence to support the fact that these vehicles cause more damage in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road than other vehicles of smaller sizes. Interestingly, just a percent increase in the number of trucks on the road has been shown to increase the risk of a severe accident disproportionately; that means that instead of a 1 percent higher chance of a crash, that 1 percent of trucks could lead to a much higher percentage chance of serious injuries.

According to Science Daily, trucks are responsible for around 4,500 people’s deaths each year within the United States. Trucks account for around 8 percent of U.S. traffic, the International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion shows, but those same vehicles are responsible or involved in 11 percent of fatal crashes on the roads.

By researching 1,134 crashes, a study was able to show that as the number of large trucks grew on roadways, the number of fatal accidents rose disproportionately. In fact, if those vehicles were traveling over 45 mph, the chance of a fatal crash increased twofold. Of course, some other factors also come into play; male drivers have been shown to be more dangerous due to the increased likelihood of speeding, driving while intoxicated or being aggressive. Those who were intoxicated were seven times more likely to be in a fatal crash.

If you or a loved was injured in a truck accident, then you may have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver and even third parties. Learn more from a personal injury attorney.

Source: Science Daily, “Trucks a significant cause of severe accidents, study finds,” Taylor & Francis, accessed July 14, 2015