Georgia Highways are Dangerous Enough

Big trucks on the road are dangerous for many reasons. Unfortunately, passenger cars and motorcycles just can’t compete with the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. If some businesses get their way, commercial trucks are only going to get bigger.

Currently, commercial trucks can haul two 28-foot trailers. However, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment that would allow trucks to haul two 33-foot trailers. In July 2015, an amendment was introduced to the Senate by Senator Feinstein that would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct an in depth safety study before allowing bigger commercial trucks on U.S. Highways. On November 10, 2015, in a nearly 2-to-1 vote, the Senate supported Feinstein’s amendment to keep these larger rigs off the road until their impact on public safety is known. We applaud Senators Feinstein (D-California) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) for their bipartisan support of public highway safety.

How Dangerous are Big Rigs? Look at the National Large Truck Accident Statistics

The 2013 Traffic Safety Fact sheet published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 342,000 large trucks were involved in accidents throughout the United States.  In those accidents, 3,964 people died and another 95,000 were injured.

Other notable findings from the report include:

• When compared to drivers of passenger vehicles, large truck drivers have the highest rate of previous recorded crashes;
• In 2.1 percent of the fatal accidents involving large trucks in 2013, the truck driver had a blood alcohol concentration of more than .08;
• 11 percent of all fatal accidents involving large truck were single vehicle crashes; and
• 439 pedestrians and cyclists were killed in large truck accidents in 2013.

The report also noted that 79 percent of fatal large truck accidents occurred during the work week, when the roadways are more heavily trafficked.

Georgia Large Truck Accident Statistics

The NHTSA reports that in 2013, there were 1636 total fatal large truck crashes in Georgia. While there are nearly always complex issues involved in nearly every large truck accident, some of the most common include:

• Cardiac arrest or other physical issues;
• Distracted Driving (such as texting);
• Fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel;
• Overcompensation; and
• Vehicle-related failure

Other factors that are commonly associated with large truck accidents include:

• Brake issues;
• Unfamiliarity with surroundings;
• Working under time constraints;
• Tire issues;
• Illegal drug use; and
• Driving under the influence of alcohol

The trucking accident firm of Council & Associates cares about the victims of track crashes. We have more than a decade of experience helping victims recover compensation for their injuries and losses.

Our legal team boasts a strong track record of successfully taking on large trucking companies and insurance companies and securing the best possible outcome for victims of negligent truck operators or trucking companies.

Although monetary relief can never fully compensate victims and families for the pain and suffering caused by an 18-wheeler crash, Council and Associates fights for the compensation that can help ease financial burdens so you can focus on your recovery.

Contact our legal team in Atlanta or Albany now for a free confidential consultation. Most cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, with no upfront legal costs for our clients.