4,229 18-Wheeler Deaths in 2008
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a preliminary release of data regarding 18-wheeler/tractor-trailer accidents and information for 2008. FMCSA explains on their website:
For the 2008 report, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA) is publishing this online Early Release of the annual report, based solely on crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and FMCSA. These data are enough to complete most of the tables in the published annual report; however, any tables that depend on VMT and vehicle registration data for the calculation of crash rates will be missing 2008 data for some of the rows and columns. In these early release tables, missing data are indicated by dashes.
This information is shocking. The early report emphasizes the dangers of these vehicles and how 2008 was no different in terms of their impact on the roadways. Some of the more important points are below:
- 4,229 Fatality Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers;
- 90,000 Injury Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers;
- 318 Pedestrian Fatality Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers; and
- 69 Bicyclist Fatality Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers
The reasons that combination vehicles continue to be such a danger are many. From long hours and fatigued drivers to bad training and poorly maintained vehicles, tractor trailers continue to be a serious danger to all drivers. If someone you know was injured or killed as the result of an 18-wheeler accident, big rig accident or tractor-trailer accident, encourage them to immediately contact a competent attorney for advice. It is extremely important to do this quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved, statements are taken, and the rights of all claimants are protected.
