FMCSA reports that too many truck drivers are dying in crashes
Top officials at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that too many truck
drivers are dying in highway crashes, and these fatalities are increasing. There were 851 truckdriver
deaths in 2017, an increase from 725 in 2016 and 665 in 2015. It is not known what the
total truck miles traveled were during those years to properly understand how the years
compare. Another troubling statistic is 38% of the truckers who died were not wearing seatbelts.
Also, of particular concern to FMCSA is the increase of fatalities happening in highway
construction zones. The agency says the top five driver factors in the fatal accidents have been
speeding, distractions such as cell phone use, failure to yield right of way, impairment including
fatigue, and careless driving.
