Truck Accident Statistics

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts, in 2005, 442,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; 4,932 were involved in fatal crashes. A total of 5,212 people died (12 percent of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2005) and an additional 114,000 were injured in those crashes.

In 2004, large trucks accounted for 3% of all registered vehicles and 8% of total vehicle miles traveled (2005 registered vehicle and vehicle miles traveled data not available). In 2005, large trucks accounted for 8% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 4% of all vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. One out of eight traffic fatalities in 2005 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.

In half (50%) of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of the crash. In 10% of the crashes, the other vehicle was turning. In 8%, either the truck or the other vehicle was negotiating a curve. In 7%, either the truck or the other vehicle was stopped or parked in a traffic lane (5% and 2%, respectively).

Most of the fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas (61%), during the daytime (67%), and on weekdays (81%). During the week, 74% of the crashes occurred during the daytime (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.). On weekends, 60% occurred at night (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). Of the fatalities that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 76% were occupants of another vehicle. If the injuries that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 74% were occupants of another vehicle.

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