Semi-truck deaths continue to climb

We talk a lot about Increasing size to Passenger trucksand to them The effect is often fatal on Pretty much everything that’s not a truck. But pickup trucks, no matter how big or heavy, can’t compare to the true predators of American roads: tractor trailers.

New data from NHTSA, trans Truck Safety Alliance, shows a dramatic rise in 18-wheeler fatalities over the past few years. The data dates back to 2021, but it’s still serious — showing a 71 percent rise in large-truck fatalities from 2009 to 2021. From the Truck Safety Alliance:

The report provides valuable insights into one of the worst years in terms of truck fatalities in modern history. The number of fatalities caused by large trucks has risen, exceeding 5,700, the NHTSA reported. In addition, there were more than 155,000 infections. Since 2009, deaths from truck accidents have increased by 71%.

The coalition argues that this data shows a profound need for reform, and outlines paths lawmakers should take to try to prevent these ever-increasing deaths, including speed limiters, automatic braking, and more:

The Truck Safety Coalition calls on Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to pursue common-sense solutions to reduce truck crash violence on our roadways:

• DOT/NHTSA must urgently finalize an automatic emergency braking rule for all classes of CMVs.
• DOT/FMCSA must expeditiously complete the speed limiter rule for CMVs.
• Congress should require DOT/NHTSA to conduct side protection impact testing, and failure to do so fails to comply with Congress’ intent in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
• Congress must fully fund the Department of Transportation to do its life-saving work without unsafe riders FMCSA is prohibited from implementing specific safety provisions for teen truck drivers in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program
• DOT/FMCSA must urgently require new motor carriers to pass a knowledge test that demonstrates that they know and can implement the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) required to safely operate motor carrier businesses, including those transporting hazardous materials. Currently, the Department of Transportation allows anyone to work in interstate commerce who submits the proper paperwork without needing any proof that they know the rules to keep truck drivers and all road users safe.

Some of these rules already exist, but others are likely to be the subject of debate for months, years, or decades to come. We love our fast and efficient infrastructure laws here in the United States.