Combination trucks lead to increased fatalities in auto accidents

Megan Roth

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In 2007, there were 37, 248 fatal automobile accidents in the U.S; of those, large trucks were responsible for eight percent of the reported fatalities (74 percent of the 4584 large trucks involved were combination trucks, 21.5 percent of which rolled over in the accident).

Now, I’m generally not a numbers person and I’ve never been a fan of statistics; however, these numbers tell me that combination trucks are probably much more dangerous than a standard sedan or station wagon.

As can be seen from the statistics, they are inherently risky and can result in death or injuries that can permanently impact your life (in so many ways).

In fact, someone is either killed or injured in accidents involving such trucks every 16 minutes. It’s easy to understand how, considering a commercial truck accident is bound to be much more catastrophic than an ordinary car accident. The large size and massive weight decreases the likelihood of one surviving such an accident (regardless of whether they’re the driver of the truck or a passenger in another involved car).

And unfortunate as it is, there are a great many other innocent passengers involved (in fact, 98 percent of the fatalities in truck-related accidents occur to those in passenger vehicles).

This can be a somewhat difficult to stomach – trust me, I’m speaking from experience (my uncle was killed in a semi accident years ago; the truck struck him on an interstate and, due to the size and speed of the truck, he didn’t stand a chance for survival).

Unfortunate as it is, such accidents are becoming increasingly more common; in fact, between 1992 and 2002, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased roughly 10 percent (in result of driver fatigue, unstable loads and/or defective equipment).

Many truck companies have recognized the dangers these issues present and have enforced set standards (for both on-road and off-road regulations and inspections). Yet, these standards don’t ensure drivers are in top working form when they hit the road; some will push their driving limits can with the hopes of completing their route sooner. Others will stop as directed and sleep in their trucks; yet, the cramped quarters and lack of proper sleeping environment threatens the quality of sleep they are able to achieve (meaning they may not get the proper rest to drive long hours on the road).

I don’t mean to imply semi drivers are automatically at fault in the event such an accident occurs. However, it is necessary for one particular party to be held responsible when a life (or the quality of life, for that matter) is altered. It can be difficult to determine exactly which party that is, which is why it’s necessary to seek proper legal advice and instruction.

Like I said, the characteristics and consequences of such accidents are unfortunate; yet, they do occur – far more frequently than we care to admit.