NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2005 Data, Large Trucks

Commercial trucks are a staple of the American transportation system. There's no doubt that without the massive amounts of cargo transported by commercial truckers on a daily basis, much of the American economy could not exist as we know it today. However, because large trucks constitute such an enormous part of America's transportation system, often times truckers can be put under undue strain in order to meet deadlines. As a result it's fairly common to see truckers pushing themselves beyond the limits of what can safely be expected of even the most experienced commercial driver. This can cause huge problems and present very serious dangers both for the drivers themselves and others out on Texas Highways. As one would expect semi truck accidents/18 wheeler accidents can occur anywhere, but they are exceedingly common on the busy highways that pass through Texas' urban centers such as Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

According to NHTSA traffic safety facts 2005 data, regarding large trucks:

• 442,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States 4,932 were involved in fatal crashes.
  • A total of 5,212 people died (12 percent of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2005), and an additional 114,000 were injured in those crashes.

While these numbers represent nationwide statistics, a large portion of these crashes occur in dense metropolitan areas such as San Antonio.

• In 2004, large trucks accounted for 3 percent of all registered vehicles and 8 percent of total vehicle miles traveled (2005 registered vehicle and vehicle miles traveled data not available).
• In 2005, large trucks accounted for 8 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 4 percent of all vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes.
• One out of eight traffic fatalities in 2005 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.
• In half (50%) of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of the crash.
  • In 10 percent of the crashes, the other vehicle was turning. In 8 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was negotiating a curve. In 7 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was stopped or parked in a traffic lane (5% and 2%, respectively).

According to NHTSA traffic safety facts 2005 data, regarding large trucks, most of the fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas (61%), during the daytime (67%), and on weekdays (81%), however many of them still do occur in densely populated cities like San Antonio and Houston. During the week, 74 percent of the crashes occurred during the daytime (6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.). On weekends, 60 percent occurred at night (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). Of the fatalities that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 76 percent were occupants of another vehicle. If the injuries that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 74 percent were occupants of another vehicle. With the prevalence of these devastating accidents out on the road, accident and injury attorneys are often required to ensure that victims of accidents receive proper compensation.

If the NHTSA traffic safety facts 2005 data, on large trucks and auto accidents have anything to tell us, it's that large truck accidents are extremely common. So if you or someone you know has been injured in a commercial truck accident, your first step should be to consult a knowledgeable accident and injury attorney, to see if you're entitled to compensation.

At Carabin Shaw, our friendly staff is comprised of experienced accident and injury lawyers ready to help with your case. Carabin Shaw has maintained a reputation as the leading group of San Antonio trucking accident attorneys serving San Antonio and the surrounding areas for over two decades. As a result, our lawyers are prepped and ready to help you with your accident and injury case, no matter the circumstances. So don't wait, call us today!

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