On October 2nd, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that fatal accidents on America’s highways have decreased overall, except for accidents involving large trucks.
Statistics from the most recent report conducted by the Department of Transportation show that there were 673 fewer deaths on highways in 2017. When compared to data from 2016, most categories in 2017 deceased.
According to the NHTSA, one category that saw an increase was fatal accidents involving large trucks. From 2016 to 2017, deaths from accidents with large trucks went up by 9%. The data for accidents involving large trucks that resulted in death was broken down into the following categories:
- Fatal Tractor Trailer Accidents: Increased by 5.8%
- Fatal Single-Unit Truck Accidents: Increased by 18.7%
- Fatal SUV Accidents: Increased by 3%
In 2017, 4,761 people died in accidents involving large trucks. In total, fatalities caused by large truck crashes increased by 392.
Speaking about the new report, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said, “Safety is the Department’s number-one priority. The good news is that fatalities are trending downward after increasing for the two previous years. But the tragic news is that 37,133 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. All of us need to work together to reduce fatalities on the roads.”
According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Ray Martinez, not wearing a seatbelt was the cause of a quarter of occupant deaths in large truck accidents.
NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi R. King said, “Dangerous actions such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are still putting many Americans, their families and those they share the road with at risk. Additionally, we must address the emerging trend of drug-impaired driving to ensure we are reducing traffic fatalities and keeping our roadways safe for the traveling public.”
Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer in Denver
At the Denver Trial Lawyers ®, our legal team is committed to helping clients throughout Colorado obtain the compensation they deserve for their accident injuries. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, you should immediately get in touch with us to discuss the details of your case. We have the skills and resources that you need to secure a favorable case result.
Call (303) 647-9990 to schedule a consultation with our Denver truck accident attorneys today.
