Truck drivers are an integral part of the U.S. economy, playing a vital role in delivering the goods and products that keep our country running. In 2018 alone, truck drivers drove over 438 billion miles and delivered 10.75 billion tons of freight valued at $679 billion dollars across the United States (ATA). That’s an enormous amount of goods that need to be delivered safely and efficiently, so truck drivers must always be alert and practice safe driving.
Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that in 2017, 4,102 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks. That number was down three percent from 2016, but still represents a significant number of fatalities that could have been avoided with more attention to safety. The NHTSA also reports there were 98,000 people injured in large truck crashes in 2017, down from 101,000 injuries in 2016.
It’s important for drivers to remember the value of truckers and their role as essential workers in our nation’s economy. It is equally essential that drivers practice safe driving when sharing the roads with trucks. Keeping a safe distance, avoiding distractions and being aware of the truckers’ blind spots are all important to preventing accidents and keeping our highways safe. By following these precautions and respecting truck drivers, we can ensure they remain an integral part of our society and that the goods we depend on get to their destinations safely.
Sources:
• American Trucking Associations (ATA). U.S. Freight Transportation Forecast 2018-2022. https://trucking.org/ATA%20Docs/Economics/Forecast_2018-2022_Final_0518
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