What’s to Blame for the Rise in Truck Crash Fatalities?
Recent data suggests a concerning increase in traffic fatalities involving large trucks when compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
The Crash Statistics Summary by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reveals that in 2019, the year before the pandemic, there were 5,082 fatalities resulting from crashes involving large trucks across the country. This number slightly decreased to 4,988 in 2020 but alarmingly rose to 5,701 fatal crashes in 2021.
Although the number dropped to 5,230 fatalities in 2022, there were still 148 more deaths or a 3% increase compared to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019. Brian Runnels, the Vice President of safety at Reliance Partners, a trucking insurance brokerage specializing in safety consulting, discussed potential factors contributing to the rise in fatal crashes.
Runnels highlighted the prevalence of aggressive driving as a significant concern. He attributed this trend to increased vehicle traffic following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and people becoming more active. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) projected an increase in fatalities for various vehicle categories in 23 states, while 27 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, reported a decrease per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Shift in Operational Practices a Potential Contributor to Increased Fatalities
According to NHTSA, traffic fatalities in the United States totaled 42,795 last year, slightly lower than the 42,939 total in 2021 but still higher than the numbers from 2020 (38,824) and 2019 (36,355).
Runnels suggested that a shift in operational practices, specifically the centralization of freight volumes, may contribute to the increased fatalities. The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) observed a trend of shorter trips over the past decade, as highlighted in its 2022 report.
“With more trucks operating in congested areas and covering more miles in those regions than ever before, the proliferation of distribution centers and manufacturing facilities around major cities plays a role. Shifting from long-haul to regional freight requires drivers to adapt their operations. They spend more time at docks for loading and unloading, increasing the pressure to accumulate miles. These changes likely contribute to the rise in crashes and fatalities,” explained Runnels.
Impact of Pay Structure on Driver Behavior
Runnels also pointed out that pay structure could be a factor in unsafe driving behavior. Many truck drivers are paid based on the number of miles driven, but recent reports indicate a decline in average miles per truck. According to ATRI, the average number of miles per truck decreased from 91,506 in 2019 to 79,808 in 2021 and further dropped to 78,863 in 2022.
As the difficulty of accruing miles increases, drivers may feel compelled to take risks to maximize their earnings. This pressure extends to companies and dispatchers who aim to generate revenue from their trucks. Runnels emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to ensure safer driving practices.
Runnels provided recommendations for carriers to mitigate these risks. He emphasized the need to train and guide drivers effectively. Implementing defensive driving techniques and programs within the trucking community can help prevent crashes. Additionally, it is crucial for drivers to have a thorough understanding of the safety technology in their trucks.
Runnels stressed the significance of driver training, defensive driving techniques, and utilizing safety technologies to improve road safety. It is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety in challenging situations.
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