U.S. Highways with The Most Trucking Accidents
Sharing the road with large trucks and trailers can not only be intimidating for motorists, but it can also be dangerous considering the size comparison between a semi and a standard vehicle.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were a total of 3,986 fatalities in large truck accidents in 2016. While the majority of the fatalities were motorists and their passengers (66%) 17% of the deaths were truck drivers and their passengers.
More than half of the large trucks involved in the accidents had a defect such as faulty brakes or tires. According to Stephen C. Swain, VA car accident injury lawyer, heavy cargo loads in a large truck can also make it more difficult for drivers to operate the truck safely.
Inclement weather was a contributing factor in about 15% of accidents involving a large truck. According to Benjamin Sansone, a truck wreck lawyer in Missouri, other factors include driver distraction, drowsiness, and other reckless behaviors.
Where Are the Most Trucking Accidents?
Accidents involving large trucks are possible anywhere in the U.S., but there are some highways that are more dangerous than others; here are some of the most common highways where large truck accidents occur.
According to Ronald J. Jebaily, a SC truck accident lawyer, accidents involving a large truck driver are more frequent on major interstates I-20, I-26, and I-95; many of the accidents that occur on these South Carolina interstates result in death. SC-25 is also a dangerous road for truckers and other motorists.
According to Florida truck accident lawyer, Jerrad Ohr, I-95 and US-1 in Florida are on the Department of Transportation’s “top ten” list of the most dangerous roads for accidents involving a large truck driver.
Other highways that have the highest volume of large truck accidents include:
- I-10 in Alabama
- Hwy 75 in Idaho
- I-40 in Arkansas
- M-20 in Michigan
- I-80 in Nebraska
- Hwy-5 in Colorado
- I-70 in Maryland
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), other states where trucking accidents are common to include North Dakota, Wyoming, and Texas.
Although these major highways and interstates can be difficult to avoid, it’s best to avoid these roads when possible, such as late-night hours and during bad weather. The holiday seasons are also more dangerous because of increased traffic and truck drivers that are rushing to meet deadlines.
Even though truck drivers are often responsible for accidents, other motorists become impatient and drive aggressively putting themselves at risk (as well as truck drivers).
Other ways to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident involving a large truck is to keep a safe distance from the truck and avoid driving in blind spots. It’s best to follow the rules of the road and remember that since larger truck drivers have more challenges driving a bigger vehicle, they drive more slowly and take longer to brake. While most people consider themselves safe drivers, most car crashes are caused by driver error, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid crashes.