Roadway deaths spike as profit-driven trucking companies cut corners on safety, training

The nation’s roads and highways are more dangerous than ever because profit-driven trucking companies too often cut corners on training, drug testing, driver background checks, and maintenance.

After a period of steady decline, the number of vehicle crashes has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than six million crashes in the U.S. in 2021 (around 16,500 per day), representing a 16 percent increase from 2020. When it comes to accidents involving large trucks, there was a 26 percent increase from 2020 to 2021, with 523,796 large truck accidents across the U.S. in 2021, up from 415,444 the year before.

In 2021, nearly 43,000 Americans died in crashes, the highest death toll in 15 years. According to the National Safety Council, there has been an astounding 49 percent spike in the number of truck crash fatalities over the last 10 years.

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What is behind the surge in fatalities?

Many of the deaths from vehicle crashes are the result of intoxicated drivers, unrestrained motorists or drivers going well beyond the speed limit.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 25 percent of all fatal wrecks in the U.S. in 2020 and 2021 involved vehicles traveling above the speed limit.
• Many of those who died in crashes – both passengers and drivers – were not wearing seatbelts.
• National rates of intoxicated driving have soared: one in every 10 drivers is suspected of driving under the influence.
• High turnover rates in the trucking industry mean 18-wheelers are often being driven by inexperienced drivers.
• Profit-driven trucking companies often cut corners on training, background checks, and monitoring of drivers, as well as performing routine vehicle maintenance.

Why are truck accidents especially dangerous?

There are several reasons why truck crashes have more severe consequences than car crashes:

• Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, resulting in disproportionate impact during a collision.
• Trucks can’t brake as quickly as smaller vehicles, so if a truck driver needs to suddenly brake, it takes longer to stop.
• Large trucks have less maneuverability, which means it’s more difficult for a truck driver to avoid accidents, especially if they need to act quickly.
• It’s more common for truck drivers to be fatigued as their job requires long hours, and driving at night can increase the risk of becoming drowsy.
• Truck drivers may be prone to speeding as they may face pressure to stick to a tight schedule – a truck driver speeding poses a greater risk as it is more difficult for them to stop abruptly.

Who is liable in a trucking accident?

When a truck crash occurs, both the truck driver and the transportation company may be held liable. A failure to comply with federal or state laws can form the basis of a personal injury case after a big rig accident.

The role of drugs in trucking accidents

Since 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been tracking drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers. Those who test positive aren’t allowed to operate a commercial vehicle until they complete a return-to-duty process. As of June 1, 2023, more than 191,000 drivers had at least one violation. Of these, nearly 136,000 were in prohibited status. More than half the drivers (102,905), had not yet started the return-to-duty process.

Some believe the number of impaired truck drivers could be far higher because urine testing required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) provides imprecise information. The Trucking Alliance maintains the tests are failing to detect 90 percent of drug users, based on an analysis of hair tests administered by its members. Researchers have found that hair testing produced a 9 % higher positivity rate than the DOT-mandated urine analysis. For example, hair tests uncovered:

• 65 % more positive tests for ecstasy
• 25 % more positive tests for opioids
• 23 % more positive tests for cocaine
• 5 % more positive tests for marijuana
• 13 % more positive tests for amphetamines/methamphetamines

How We Help Victims of Trucking AccidentsIf you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact the experienced truck accident lawyers at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel today. We understand the ins and outs of these difficult matters, and we are prepared to provide swift and effective counsel for your case and help you get the results you deserve. Contact our experienced trucking accident lawyers now to see if you have a case.