In the high-stakes world of trucking, the looming threat of serious accident litigation is a constant reality for many companies. When such situations arise, it’s crucial for owners and executives to understand that the future of their company may be at stake. This was a key takeaway from the recent address by Rob Moseley, a
Traffic Fatalities Increasing Faster than Total US Driving: What Trucking Companies Need to Know
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American roadways are experiencing a resurgence. Since the disruption caused by COVID-19, drivers are getting back behind the wheel at levels not seen since before the pandemic. Although this news may be encouraging, another related trend is cause for concern: an increase in traffic fatalities.
From January through March in 2022, some 9,560 were killed in car crashes across the country. This number represents a 7% increase from the previous year. By comparison, total driving time only increased by an estimated 5.9% over the same period. That means that fatal accidents are on the rise even faster than the number of drivers on the road.
Why are traffic fatalities increasing?
In 2020, we witnessed a steep decline in driving worldwide. Lockdowns and orders to work from home disrupted many commuters’ regular driving habits. More than two years later, workers are returning to the office at an accelerated pace. This change in routine is one contributor to the uptick in fatal accidents.
Another major factor that leads to accidents is “distracted driving.” The allure of the cell phone has proven to be too much for some drivers, even those piloting 3,500-lb vehicles at highway speeds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 lives were lost in 2020 alone due to distracted drivers. Until educational, enforcement, and technological solutions emerge that are successful in keeping drivers off their phones, distracted driving will remain a serious problem.
What does the increase in fatalities mean for trucking companies?
Everyone from owners, operators, and managers to truck drivers and mechanics understand the vital importance of road safety. Even nonfatal accidents can delay shipments, increase repair costs, and lead to costly legal settlements.
Fatal accidents are particularly devastating for a number of very important reasons. For one, being involved in a fatal accident is traumatic for survivors, regardless of any legal outcomes. Secondly, fatal accidents can result in so-called “nuclear verdicts,” which incur massive financial penalties and harm public image for trucking companies.
Trucking companies should be aware of the increase in fatal accidents and treat it as a reminder to review and reinforce their safety standards for hiring, retention, and all operations. Contributing factors to fatal traffic collisions are, in some cases, outside of trucking companies’ ability to control. As long as people drive distracted, under the influence of inebriants, or fatigued in other ways, truck drivers will need to remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
Even trucking companies that maintain strict safety guidelines may end up in costly legal battles as a result of a fatal accident. The last line of defense against nuclear verdicts is excellent legal representation.
Hughes Lawyers commonly represents trucking companies in matters related to trucking accidents and personal injury, catastrophic injury, fatality claims, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act compliance. Our significant experience handling commercial transportation matters gives our clients a distinct advantage when they need it most.
If you need legal services related to trucking and transportation, contact us online or call 314-328-5770.
