Rising Semi Truck Deaths Prompt Calls for Reform in Trucking Industry

The alarming increase in fatalities caused by tractor-trailers on American roadways has sparked urgent calls for reform within the trucking industry. New data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), released by the Truck Safety Coalition, reveals a staggering 71 percent rise in large truck accident fatalities over the past 12 years.

While discussions often center around the size and impact of passenger trucks, it’s the tractor-trailers that pose the greatest threat on the roads. The latest statistics from the Truck Safety Coalition paint a grim picture of the toll these massive vehicles are taking on public safety. In 2021 alone, large truck fatalities surpassed 5,700, with over 155,000 reported injuries.

The Truck Safety Coalition

The Truck Safety Coalition underscores the urgent need for legislative action to address this mounting crisis. They are calling on Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement a series of common-sense measures aimed at curbing truck-related fatalities. These include the expedited finalization of rules mandating Automatic Emergency Braking for all classes of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) and the implementation of speed limiters.

Furthermore, the Coalition advocates for comprehensive safety measures such as side underride guard impact testing, in accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). They also urge Congress to allocate full funding to the DOT for the implementation of safety provisions, including those pertaining to teen truckers in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program.

Additionally, the Coalition emphasizes the importance of ensuring that new motor carriers demonstrate proficiency in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) before operating in interstate commerce. Currently, lax regulations allow inexperienced operators to enter the industry without sufficient knowledge of safety protocols, posing a grave risk to all road users.

While some of these measures are already in place, others remain contentious issues that will likely be subject to prolonged debate. However, swift and decisive action is imperative to address the escalating threat posed by semi-truck-related fatalities. As the nation grapples with this pressing issue, the importance of prioritizing road safety and implementing effective reforms cannot be overstated.

Factors Contributing to the Rise in Semi-Truck Fatalities

The alarming increase in semi-truck fatalities on American roadways is a complex issue with multifaceted contributing factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the root causes of these tragedies and improve road safety for all motorists. From driver fatigue to inadequate training and vehicle maintenance issues, a combination of factors underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the trucking industry.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Regulations: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing reaction times and increasing the risk of accidents. Despite existing Hours of Service (HOS) regulations aimed at preventing fatigue-related crashes, enforcement challenges and loopholes in the regulations have allowed some drivers and companies to skirt the rules.

Inadequate Training and Oversight: The trucking industry has faced criticism for inadequate training standards for new drivers and insufficient oversight of driver behavior. High turnover rates and the demand for rapid recruitment have led to concerns about the quality of training provided to new drivers, particularly in areas such as defensive driving techniques and managing fatigue.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection: Poorly maintained trucks pose a significant risk on the roads, with issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and faulty lighting contributing to accidents. While regulations require regular maintenance and inspection of commercial vehicles, enforcement varies across jurisdictions, and some companies may prioritize cost-cutting measures over safety compliance.

Pressure to Meet Delivery Deadlines: The competitive nature of the trucking industry and the reliance on just-in-time delivery systems have created pressures for drivers and companies to meet tight delivery deadlines. This pressure can lead to risky behaviors such as speeding, driving while fatigued, and forgoing necessary rest breaks to complete deliveries on time.

Distracted Driving: Like all motorists, truck drivers are susceptible to distractions such as cell phone use, in-cab technology, and external stimuli. However, the consequences of distracted driving can be particularly severe for truck drivers due to the size and weight of their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of devastating accidents.

Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to address the root causes of semi-truck fatalities and improve road safety for all motorists.

Proposed Safety Measures by the Truck Safety Coalition

As semi-truck fatalities continue to climb, the Truck Safety Coalition has outlined a series of proposed safety measures aimed at mitigating the risks posed by commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on the road. From automatic emergency braking to speed limiters and side underride guard impact testing, these measures offer promising solutions to enhance road safety and prevent future accidents. By prioritizing the implementation of these measures, policymakers and industry stakeholders can work together to protect lives and improve the overall safety of our transportation infrastructure.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB systems utilize sensors and advanced algorithms to detect imminent collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent crashes. Mandating AEB technology in all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) could help reduce the severity and frequency of rear-end collisions, a common type of truck-related accident.

Speed Limiters: Speed limiters cap the maximum speed at which a vehicle can travel, reducing the risk of high-speed crashes and improving overall road safety. By limiting the speed of commercial trucks, speed limiters can help mitigate the impact of crashes and give drivers more time to react to unexpected hazards.

Side Underride Guard Impact Testing: Side underride guards are safety features designed to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding underneath the sides of large trucks in the event of a collision. Requiring impact testing for side underride guards would ensure their effectiveness in real-world crash scenarios, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of injuries.

Enhanced Regulations for New Motor Carriers: Strengthening regulations for new motor carriers, particularly those hauling hazardous materials, is essential for promoting safe operating practices and preventing accidents. Requiring new motor carriers to pass a knowledge exam demonstrating their understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) would help ensure compliance with safety standards and reduce the risk of incidents on the road.

Investment in Driver Training and Education: Comprehensive driver training programs, including ongoing education and skills development, are essential for equipping truck drivers with the knowledge and tools they need to operate safely on the road. Investing in driver training and education initiatives can improve driver awareness, enhance defensive driving skills, and promote adherence to safety regulations.

By implementing these proposed safety measures, policymakers and industry stakeholders can work together to address the root causes of semi-truck fatalities and create a safer transportation environment for everyone on the road.