2009 Truck Accident Fatalities: Half The Number in 1979 For Twice The Mileage!

If in 2009 a nationwide total of only 3,163 people died in large truck crashes, this number still represents an equal number of tragedies for the family and friends of the victims. 18-wheeler crashes are devastating, and fatal accident statistics do not reflect the suffering of tens of thousands of severely injured victims, most of them passenger vehicle occupants, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Nevertheless, for those in Louisiana who fight daily to improve highway traffic safety, the above-mentioned figure represents a bit of a victory, or at least the hope that their efforts are bearing fruit.

Sharp decline.

In 1979, large trucks on the nation's roads traveled 109 million miles and 6,539 people died in truck accidents. The corresponding figures for 2009 are 228 million (estimated) miles and 3,163 fatalities. The decline has been spectacular in the last 5 years, as the number of victims was still as high as 5,049 in 2005.

Safer cars?
Because the overwhelming majority of large truck accident victims are occupants of passenger cars, experts believe the steep decline in fatalities is in part due to better car crashworthiness and safety devices such as seatbelts and airbags. Many large motor carriers also have improved enforcement of hours of service and invested in electronic on-board warning and control systems.

It is still a sad fact that large trucks account for only 4 percent of registered vehicles but for 11 percent of road accident fatalities.

If you have been hurt in a New Orleans truck accident, contact the attorneys of the Young Firm in New Orleans immediately for a FREE consultation on your case at (504) 680-4100 (local) or (866) 660-7220 (toll free) or by sending us an e-mail.