Dallas, 10/05/2015 /SubmitPressRelease123/
According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100,000 people were injured in traffic accidents involving commercial trucks in the United States in 2012. Of this number, nearly 4,000 people were killed. In total, approximately 333,000 accidents occurred on U.S. roads that involved a large truck. The NHTSA also highlighted other interesting facts regarding its analysis of large truck accidents from that year.
Source: NHTSA “TRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS2012 Data”
“In 2012, large trucks were more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple-vehicle
crash as opposed to a fatal single-vehicle crash than were passenger vehicles (81%
of fatal crashes involving large trucks are multiple-vehicle crashes, compared with
58% for fatal crashes involving passenger vehicles).
Nearly 18 percent of all large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2012 had at
least one prior speeding conviction.”
To read more visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811868.pdf.
Transportation safety advocates have long fought to try and reduce the number of accident injuries and deaths related to large truck crashes in the country. Recently, such efforts have been more prevalent in the media as certain measures make their way through Congress that could potentially deregulate the trucking industry. One such measure, a $55 billion Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill, became the subject of controversy after it was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. A provision is included in the bill that extends the number work hours allowed for truck drivers per week.
Source: 1800TruckWreck.com Blog “Could Congressional Move Lead to More Fatigued Truck Drivers”
“The House Appropriations Committee recently approved a measure that some are saying could lax the rules for the trucking industry. This is particularly alarming for numerous transportation safety advocates who are making a push for tighter regulations amid an increase in the number of fatalities linked to tractor-trailer accidents. The Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill, which is now being considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives, contains a provision that would among other things permit truck drivers to work longer hours, and prevent long-standing trucking industry insurance minimums from being raised.”
To read more visit http://www.1800truckwreck.com/could-congressional-move-lead-to-more-fatigued-truck-drivers_13389.html.
A previous study by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration identified several leading factors that were shown to be causes of truck accidents in the U.S. These include:
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The use of illicit drugs that affected the reaction time of truck drivers
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Speeding
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Over the counter medication use among truck drivers
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Truck driver fatigue
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Distracted driving among truck drivers
According to Texas truck accident attorney Amy Witherite of the Eberstein Witherite law firm, in trying to reduce the number of commercial accident injuries and fatalities nationwide, it is important to first identify these and other common causes of these accident types. The semi truck accident lawyer notes that congressional action is also an important focus, and having data to illustrate the reasons there is a need for more industry regulation can be helpful to the cause of getting long fought for safety measures implemented.
Those who have questions about their legal options following a truck accident can contact the Eberstein Witherite law firm’s 866-774-5410
helpline to speak with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer about their case.
Media Contact:
Lucy Tiseo
Eberstein Witherite LLP
Phone: 866-774-5410
http://www.1800truckwreck.com/
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