Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Personal Injury Blog

Pennsylvania readers may have heard about the tragic Florida traffic accident that took the lives of seven people, including five children, as they were driving to Disney World in January. The victims' vehicle was one of thousands that are struck by large trucks across the United States each year, and the problem is getting worse.

For example, in Florida, there were 23,515 truck accidents in 2014. By 2018, that number had jumped to 32,513. Furthermore, 72% of truck crash fatalities are people in vehicles other than the truck according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A 2017 report by the Florida Department of Transportation found that speeding is the top cause of large truck accidents linked to driver error. Traffic safety experts point out that the technology to prevent many speed-related accidents has been available for decades.

An online study from Wakefield Research shows that many drivers are using their phones even when they know it is wrong. Pennsylvania residents may have heard the results of this study because it was recently shared by Root Insurance, a company that offers incentives to drivers who avoid phone use.

Nearly 2,000 drivers across the country responded to this study. Of those, almost half said that distracted driving is a top concern for them. All but 1% admitted that phones can be a frequent distraction for drivers. Yet these respondents admitted at the same time to using their phones behind the wheel for an average of 13 minutes per day. Nearly two in five said they do not put down their phones when they see police around.

Truck drivers in Pennsylvania may be curious to know the reasons for the trend of increasing truck accidents. Data from the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute shows that the majority of truck-involved injury crashes in North Dakota arise in the oil region. About 67% from the years 2012 to 2016 occurred in the state's oil counties. This is according to data from the Vision Zero Plan, a statewide initiative to reduce motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries.

It appears that truck driver fatigue may be a factor. This issue became a new focus of attention after two fatal crashes on the Highway 23 bypass called the New Town Truck Reliever Route. This bypass was constructed in 2014 at the cost of $25 million to ease the truck traffic through Main Street and enhance roadway safety. However, in 2017, two truckers collided after one swung over the centerline of the road. A fire erupted and left both drivers dead. In 2018, another trucker swung over the centerline, this time colliding with a pickup. Both drivers were killed in this accident as well.

The annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz will come to highways in Pennsylvania and across the country on June 4. Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance conducts a high-profile series of inspections to highlight the dangers of poor truck maintenance on the road. Poorly maintained trucks that violate safety rules can lead to drivers losing control and causing severe car accidents, with the attendant injuries and fatalities. Truck accidents can be especially devastating to others on the road in smaller trucks and passenger cars.

The three-day 2019 Roadcheck will focus in particular on steering and suspension systems. The safety association noted that large trucks rely on well-maintained systems to stay on the road, haul their cargo safely and prevent problems with tires, brakes and other equipment. While steering and suspension is a focus for the three-day program, inspectors focus on the entire vehicle as well as the driver in these intensive, Level I inspections. Trucks are inspected for cargo security, brake maintenance, lighting systems, tire quality and other potential issues. In addition, driver safety credentials are checked. CMV operators must present logs, commercial driver's licenses and medical certificates.