Few things are more terrifying than being involved in an accident with a multi-ton large truck. Statistics confirm that even though large trucks account for just about 4 percent of all road traffic, they are responsible for 12 percent of all fatal accidents. One of the deadliest of all large truck crashes, though, is a … Read more
In mid-February, a 72-year-old public works truck driver for the city of Columbus, Ga. was charged with failure to yield and misdemeanor vehicular homicide in connection with a car crash that resulted in the death of a 63-year-old victim. In late January, a 65-year-old truck driver crashed into a church parking lot resulting in extensive … Read more
The driver of a tanker truck triggered a nine-vehicle accident after his truck experienced brake failure. Nine people – one with serious injuries – were treated at local hospitals afterward. Further investigation discovered that the truck’s owner had been cited 16 times previously for “unsafe driving.” Even though they’re required to conduct regular maintenance on … Read more
A U.S. Air Force captain fortunate to be alive has reached a settlement worth $46 million with the employer of a utility truck driver who struck and dragged him for nearly 500 feet. The amount could have been for far more because a jury, which had already awarded the victim a judgment of $41.9 million, … Read more
In an earlier blog entry, we shared results of a study that revealed the top causes for large truck accidents. That list included factors like brake failure, defective parts and overloaded trucks. A more recent study, however, focused on specific actions – or inactions – of the truck drivers themselves which resulted in deadly accidents … Read more
Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tells us that for the last couple of years, about 420,000 crashes involving large trucks were reported annually by police. With more than 15 million large trucks each year transporting the majority of U.S. freight, it’s pretty easy to understand that accidents are likely. But what … Read more
When it comes to accidents involving large trucks, one day of the week stands out from the rest in terms of when the crashes are most likely to happen. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, accidents involving large trucks are more likely to occur on Thursdays. In this issue, we’ll look at their … Read more
An idea about a safety feature added to large trucks has the potential to significantly reduce the number of fatalities from accidents involving big rigs. We’ll talk about it in this issue. What’s the proposed safety feature? In early May, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released test results showing that strong side guards on … Read more
Even though large trucks make up only 4% of all road traffic, 12% of all fatal vehicle accidents involve large trucks.
Because large trucks have significant operating limitations (blind spots, longer stopping distances and the need for wider-than-normal turns), it’s essential other drivers respect these limitations by knowing how to take extra steps when driving near them.
Could a company’s admission about its drivers’ cellphone use pave the way for a ban of the devices in the big rigs? We’ll talk about it in this issue. The Case at a Glance A polyester and nylon yarns manufacturer agreed to pay a couple $3.75 million after one of the company’s truck drivers struck … Read more