Truck Accident Statistics 2024: What the Numbers Tell Us
Commercial trucks are essential to the American economy, transporting approximately 72% of all freight by tonnage. However, their size and weight make accidents involving large trucks disproportionately deadly. Understanding the latest statistics is crucial for anyone working in the transportation industry.
The Sobering Reality: 2024 Overview
According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck accidents remain a significant public safety concern:
Perhaps the most critical statistic: in fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle, 74% of fatalities were occupants of the passenger vehicle. This underscores the vulnerability of smaller vehicles in these collisions.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
FMCSA research has identified the primary factors contributing to truck-involved accidents:
Driver-Related Factors
- Prescription and over-the-counter drug use (26%) – The leading driver-related cause
- Traveling too fast for conditions (23%) – Not just speeding, but inappropriate speed for weather or traffic
- Fatigue (13%) – Despite Hours of Service regulations, fatigue remains a significant factor
- Distracted driving (8%) – Including cell phone use, eating, and other distractions
Vehicle-Related Factors
- Brake problems (29%) – The most common vehicle defect in crash investigations
- Tire issues (6%) – Including blowouts and inadequate tread depth
- Lighting problems (4%) – Malfunctioning lights reducing visibility
When and Where Accidents Occur
The data reveals clear patterns in when truck accidents are most likely to happen:
⏰ Peak Accident Times
- 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 63% of fatal truck crashes occur during daytime hours
- Tuesday through Thursday: Weekday freight movement concentrates accidents midweek
- Rural interstates: Higher fatality rates due to speeds, despite lower collision rates
Geographic Distribution
States with the highest number of fatal truck crashes correlate strongly with freight corridor volume:
- Texas – Leading in total fatal truck crashes
- California – High volume due to port traffic
- Florida – Major distribution hub
- Georgia – Interstate crossroads
- Pennsylvania – Northeast corridor traffic
Industry Response: Safety Improvements
Despite the concerning numbers, the industry has made progress in several areas:
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Mandatory since 2017, reducing HOS violations
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Collision avoidance technology becoming standard
- Speed Limiters: Many fleets now cap vehicle speeds at 65-68 mph
- Increased Inspections: FMCSA has expanded roadside inspection programs
✅ Positive Trend
The fatal crash rate per 100 million miles traveled has declined over the past decade, suggesting that safety initiatives are having a positive impact even as total miles increase.
What This Means for Carrier Selection
When choosing a trucking company—whether for shipping, hiring movers, or any other purpose—these statistics highlight the importance of checking safety records. A carrier's crash history, inspection results, and safety rating can indicate their commitment to safe operations.
Using Trucking Record, you can instantly access:
- 24-month crash history with severity breakdown
- Comparison to national average crash rates
- Inspection out-of-service rates
- Current safety rating
Check Carrier Safety Records →
Trucking Record Editorial Team
Our team analyzes FMCSA data to provide accurate, up-to-date information about motor carrier safety. We are committed to transparency in the trucking industry.