Have you ever found yourself boxed in between large fast-moving trucks on a busy freeway? Perhaps you’ve looked in the review mirror while at a stop light only to see an oncoming truck that looks like it isn’t going to stop in time? Have you been startled by a loud truck noise that takes your attention away from the road? Most likely you have.
These scary scenarios happen to most of us far too often – usually midweek, during the day. In fact, this is the time that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (based on U.S. Department of Transportation 2015 statistics) shows the highest rate of truck accidents.
Most Truck Accidents Occur between Noon and 3 P.M.
It seems like most truck accidents would happen when more cars are on the road during work rush hours, at night when visibility is lower, or on the weekend when most car accidents happen.
Surprisingly, the following statistics show the majority of truck accidents happen midday during the week:
- 65 percent of truck accident related fatalities occurred between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the highest percentage of deaths during this time occurring noon to 3 p.m.
- Nearly 18 percent (681 people) involved in truck accidents during this short, three-hour window lost their lives; nearly 22 percent were injured. Only 13 percent of crashes involving other vehicles other than trucks happened during this time.
- The least amount of truck accident fatalities (305 deaths or 8 percent) occurred from midnight to 3 a.m.
Most Truck Accidents Happen on Thursdays
The weekends are known for having the most fatal crashes due to a high incidence of alcohol use; however, most truck accidents occur during the week when cargo transportation is highest. Also, trucks tend to travel at higher speeds midday than during heavy traffic hours when speed is prohibited by heavy congestion.
Statistics show that in 2015:
- 83 percent of fatal truck accidents occurred Monday through Friday
- Most of the fatal truck accidents (18 percent) occurred on Thursdays
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday each showed 17 percent of accidents
Tips on Avoiding a Truck Accident
- Pay attention to the road at all times. Avoid eating, talking on or using a cell phone, navigation system or other gadget.
- Always keep a safe distance from trucks. Speed up or slow down to give trucks more room. If you can’t see the truck driver in his/her side mirror, you’re following too closely.
- Avoid pulling in front of a large truck when changing lanes. A 20,000-pound tractor-trailer probably won’t be able to stop fast enough if you are too close or have to suddenly stop for traffic.
- Watch for flying debris coming from the truck. If you’re at a safe distance, you’ll more likely be able to avoid the flying objects; if not, it can break your windshield or force you to unsafely swerve or go off the road.
Truck Accident Reality: Share Your Thoughts
Do you have any thoughts on why truck accidents mostly happen during the workweek from noon – 3 p.m.? Perhaps you feel that many are caused by people rushing during their lunch hour or students driving erratically after school? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Fried Goldberg Helps Those Injured in Truck Accidents
If you’ve sustained serious injury or loss due to a negligent truck driver, please call Fried Goldberg at 877-591-1801 to speak to our team of experienced truck accident attorneys about how we can help.