People from Ohio could be interested in some statistics regarding accidents involving large trucks in the U.S. There were 333,000 large trucks involved in traffic accidents in 2012. Of the people involved in those accidents, 3,921 individuals lost their lives, and 104,000 suffered injuries. From 2011 to 2012, there was a four-percent increase in the number of fatalities related to large truck accidents. Injuries involving large trucks increased by 18 percent.
Regarding drivers of large trucks, only two percent of those involved in a fatal crash tested at a BAC of 0.8 percent or higher in 2012. Passenger car drivers also tend to be more likely to have had a previous license revocation or suspension than drivers of large trucks. However, almost 18 percent of the drivers of large trucks who were involved in 2012 crashes that were fatal had received one or more speeding conviction in the past. The percentage for passenger car drivers was only 17 percent.
Large trucks can be hazardous to drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles. However, drivers of other vehicles should be aware of the dangers that large trucks present as well, and exercise caution when they are present. What seems like a small driving error, such as not signaling before passing, could cause an accident when a large truck is nearby.
When truck accidents occur involving smaller vehicles, the occupants of that vehicle could suffer serious injuries or death. A personal injury attorney could help the victims or family of a deceased victim file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to pursue compensation.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Large Trucks,” Accessed On, Feb. 9, 2015