Few people realize how dangerous it is to be a truck driver. According to government data, driving a truck is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. The demand for truck drivers had been increasing over the last few years, putting a great deal of strain on new and veteran drivers to perform. Truck accidents have also increased in recent years, with hundreds of truck drivers dying on the road at an accelerated rate.
Facts About Truck Driver Fatality Rates
The Labor Department said that more truck drivers were injured on the job compared to any other occupation. Out of the 5,190 people who died in the workplace in 2016, 786 of them were truck drivers. The fatality rate has increased by 17.5 percent since 2011. Although the percentage fluctuates every year, overall trucking fatalities have risen by 47 percent since 2009. Thanks to a fatality rate of 24.7 per 100,000 drivers, truck driving is one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in America.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accident fatality rates are startling—but why is truck driving one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation?
Truck drivers have to operate vehicles that weigh up to 40 tons, and they have to travel long distances, but these aren’t the primary reasons why truck accidents happen. One of the most common causes of truck accidents is how employers treat their drivers and contractors. Truckers are forced by employers to haul for longer hours than they can safely manage. As a result, workers drive while tired and make mistakes that cost people their lives.
Aside from tired drivers, trucks often have poorly-maintained braking systems and other problems. In many cases, truckers are encouraged by their employers to ignore safety regulations at their own risk. The trucking industry not only puts workers in danger, but it also puts other drivers and pedestrians on the road in danger; most of these accidents cause catastrophic injuries that change victims' lives forever.
Truck Drivers Face Dangers On & Off The Road
Truck drivers don't just face dangers while behind the wheel—many sustain injuries where they load and unload their vehicles. Unsafe loading docks, poorly maintained warehouses, and untrained crews are just a few dangers that place truckers at risk while not driving. It's the responsibility of the companies sending or receiving a truck's cargo to make sure conditions are safe for drivers from start to finish. If a driver isn't trained or equipped to safely load or unload their truck, they shouldn't be expected to do so.
Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You!
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a truck accident, you have the right to hold the parties responsible for their negligent behavior. Attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg has helped thousands of injured people recover tens of millions of dollars in compensation, and we have the experience to help you too. Contact us today or visit one of our offices in Hanover, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Lancaster, & York!
Contact our Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys today at (888) 498-3023!