Study Examines Truck Accidents to Reduce Crashes

A new study aims to make the roads safer by finding ways to reduce the number and severity of car accidents that involve large trucks.

The study was started by two Kansas State University civil engineers, who used information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System and analyzed Kansas data from 2004-2008, according to Claims Journal.

They found that 73 percent of the 18, 919 truck accidents in the state were caused mainly by truck driver error. The biggest risk factor identified involved drivers not giving enough time and attention to maneuvers such as switching lanes or passing another car. Speeding, improper lane changes, and not yielding to the right of way were other major contributing risk factors that led to the fatal crashes, according to Claims Journal.

Researchers also noted:

• About 78 percent of truck-related crashes occur during daylight without dangerous weather conditions.
• Most of the accidents occurred between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• More truck accidents occurred in places with high speed limits.

The two researchers hope to use the information they have gathered to help create new safety rules and educational tools for truck drivers to decrease the number of fatal truck crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

Tags: