Fatal motor vehicle accidents are one of the horrible realities of our world, and with the vast majority of Americans using their own cars as their primary method of transportation, the potential for a serious crash is high. There are many myths and misconceptions about truck drivers and the accidents involving them, but crash statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shed some light on when these fatal accidents are more likely to occur.
The majority of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas, and this may be due in part to the fact that most of these vehicles are carrying loads across long distances, making use of the interstate and highway systems. The higher speed limits on rural roads may also contribute to the severity of the crash, increasing the chance of fatalities.
Overall, fatal truck accidents are also more likely to occur during the daytime hours and on a weekday. This may surprise some, as we often think of these accidents happening at night when drivers may be more tired or hurrying to meet delivery deadlines. However, most trucks are on the road during the week, and with more trucks on the road, there are more opportunities for accidents. When only weekend crashes are looked at, though, 65 percent of the accidents happened at night.
There are many different factors that can contribute to or cause a fatal truck accident. No matter what circumstances surround the death of someone in a truck accident, if the accident is the fault of a third-party, a civil suit may be a possibility.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts 2012 Data,” accessed April. 09, 2015
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