National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2010 data shows an increase in trucking accident-related fatalities last year. U.S. traveling related deaths increased by 8.7% in 2010, reversing a trend that had been set into motion a couple of years ago.
A total of 3,675 people were killed in trucking-related accidents across the country in 2010. That was an increase from 3,380 fatalities in 2009. Approximately 64% of trucking accident fatalities were single vehicle accidents.
There was also an increase in the number of people injured in large truck accidents. These injuries increased by 12% in 2010, to a total of 19,000 injuries. In contrast, injuries in passenger car accidents increased by only 2.5%.
The national statistics have great relevance to Douglas R. Horn, a Missouri truck accident lawyer. Missouri has several major truck routes, including I-70 and I-44. Both highways are highly congested, which is a significant factor in causing truck accidents.
The American Trucking Association has responded to this increase in trucking accident fatalities, and is calling for more research and analysis of the statistics to understand the reasons for this increase. The group has constantly boasted about the improving trucking safety record of the industry, and has used the lower trucking accident fatality rates over the past couple of years to support its opposition to reducing trucking work hour rules. According to the trucking industry, the 11-hour rule is working fine and has actually helped reduce trucking accident fatalities.
