The New Jersey roads are inherently busy with large trucks being a constant presence. The need for these large vehicles is undeniable. They deliver a wide spectrum of goods for every industry and are crucial for the economy. However, there is always a chance of an accident on the state roads. When they involve a truck, there is a greater chance of catastrophic injury and death.
Federal agencies are tasked with calculating the number of accidents, assessing them and finding solutions to make the roads safer. The most recent truck crash statistics were released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and show worrisome trends that people need to be aware of when they take to the roads.
Large truck fatalities increased by 10% through June of 2022
According to the NHTSA, during the first half of 2022, there was a 10% rise in fatalities in which large trucks were involved. The agency only has the complete numbers through June. The full year’s statistics will be released later this year.
This came after there was a 13% increase in deaths from 2020 to 2021. Overall, more than 2,800 people lost their lives in collisions involving trucks that weighed more than 10,000 pounds. For trucks this size, there were 2,559 deaths in 2021. Overall, more than 5,600 people were killed in truck accidents in 2021, an increase of just over 600 from the previous year.
While the numbers have not yet been separated on a state-by-state basis, New Jersey road fatalities were still a problem with 705 people killed overall. This was a slight increase from the 697 who lost their lives in auto accidents in 2021. This was the highest number since 2007.
The spike in truck accidents happens as attempts to make them safer have stalled or been outright ignored. One idea would have placed speed limiting technology on trucks to avoid speed-related collisions. Speeding, drowsiness, distraction and driving under the influence are some of the most common reasons for a truck accident.
After a truck accident, people need to think about their future needs
Because a truck accident can cause so much damage and they are a worsening problem, it is vital for people to take precautions when they head onto the Garden State’s roads. That includes being vigilant, steering clear of these large vehicles and maintaining constant focus.
Unfortunately, there are some accidents that cannot be avoided. They can cause physical, financial and personal challenges that need to be addressed. The entire case must be investigated in full to determine how it happened. Discussing the case with qualified legal professionals can give advice and representation when deciding how to move forward.
