Truck accidents in Pennsylvania
Accidents involving semi trucks, tankers and other large commercial vehicles cause several fatalities in Pennsylvania every year.
The size and weight of semi trucks and other commercial trucks can increase the level of risk that people may face when an accident involves one of these vehicles. Many factors can be cause large truck accidents.
One example can be seen in the case of a trucker who was cited for careless driving after crashing his big rig into an automobile dealership in Hermitage. According to the New York Daily News, the man reportedly choked while drinking a soda pop, causing him to drive off the road. After careening for approximately 600 feet, he hit the dealership building, damaging 23 vehicles in the process.
How common are truck accidents in Pennsylvania?
Every year from 2009 to 2013, at least 134 people died in accidents involving large trucks in the state of Pennsylvania. Detailed information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows the following:
- In 2009, there were 134 large truck fatalities.
- In 2010, there were 164 large truck fatalities.
- In 2011, there were 160 large truck fatalities.
- In 2012, there were 166 large truck fatalities.
- In 2013, there were 155 large truck fatalities.
Lawrence County was the site of three deaths in truck accidents during this period. In neighboring Butler, Mercer and Beaver Counties, the fatality counts numbered 20, 14 and nine, respectively.
Is anything being done to reduce these accidents?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is actively pursuing several things to help reduce the number of truck accidents on our nation’s roads. Much focus is being given to truck driver fatigue, speeding and impaired driving.
In 2013, the FMCSA enacted new rules governing when drivers must take breaks during their working hours. The goal was to reduce fatigue and thereby improve safety. According to Supply Chain Digest, the change was not universally welcome and has since been opposed. A congressional stay was ordered along with the requirement that the FMCSA conduct further research on the matter. JOC.com notes that the research phase is complete and a report is currently being compiled.
Business Insurance indicates how speeding among truckers is getting new scrutiny. The possibility of installing speed-monitoring devices into trucks is being considered as a way of tracking how operators actually drive.
The Commercial Carrier Journal explains that the FMCSA is expected to soon release a new database that will be used to track drug and alcohol use and violations among commercial drivers. Every person hired for a commercial driving position must successfully pass substance testing and all results-even failures-will be recorded. Employers will also be required to check the database before hiring new operators.
Is this enough?
Every safety improvement that can be made is welcome. However, every truck accident death is one too many. This makes it important for motorists to be ready to take action if and when they are involved in such a crash. Contacting a lawyer is recommended at these times.