Is Truck Driving Safe? 7 Statistics You Should Know (And Why)
We at NTB are proud of our focus on safety, with several drivers who have each driven over a million accident-free miles. So what do you need to know to be a safe driver?
1. In order for a trucker to stop safely, they must start slowing down approximately 360 feet in advance – about the length of a football field.
Don’t overestimate your stopping capabilities. With a full load, slick roads, or improperly maintained equipment, the length of time and distance you need to stop can be surprisingly high. Always give plenty of room and never tailgate.
2. In 2016, there were 37,461 U.S. road fatalities. 11.5 percent of those involved trucks.
The vast majority of fatal accidents on the road do not involve trucks. Most accidents involve passenger vehicles, not truck drivers.
3. 97 percent of vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger vehicle and a large truck in 2016 were occupants of the passenger vehicle.
Another sobering statistic, but one that should make our drivers feel safe. Even in the tragic event of a collision, being higher and inside the safety of a truck means far fewer truck driver fatalities.
4. “Speeding of Any Kind” was the most common driver-related factor for truck driver crashes.
It is far more important to arrive at your destination safely than quickly. Never exceed a reasonable speed limit when your life, or the life of another driver, is on the line.
5. The second most common factor for truck driver crashes was “Distraction/Inattention.”
It only takes a split second for road conditions to change. Being aware of traffic around you, weather, and road conditions at all times is the safest way to drive.
6. Truck drivers in the US drive about 125,000 miles annually, and about 3 million over their careers.
With all the millions of miles truck drivers spend on the road, some accidents are inevitable.
Taking personal responsibility on how to be the safest driver you can be makes you and everyone on the road safer.
7. There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the US.
Being part of a proud industry that moves 70% of the nation’s freight is vital to our country and its people. Learn from the experts and their years of experience, and we’ll all drive better together.
If you want to drive for a company who cares about your safety and your quality of life, apply to drive with NTB.