While no one can predict the future, the closest we have come to this is through analyzing statistics to hypothesize predictable patterns. By methodically examining these patterns, those who study traffic can present an average summary of when and where accidents might occur at a rate higher than normal. These statistics can provide trucking and delivery companies with ideal routes as well as give the average motorist an overview of dangerous locations.
Although many practices can help to avoid accidents with commercial trucks, there is no perfect method that can guarantee the protection of you and your family on the road. There are steps you can employ to minimize the risk of accidents that necessitate retaining an experienced Michigan truck accident lawyer. White Law PLLC is committed to serving our clients and our community by providing useful information they can employ to travel more safely and protect their rights after a collision.
How Statistics Can Contribute to Safer Driving
Commerce in the United States is integral to our national economy, and commercial trucks are responsible for moving the vast majority of everyday products and commodities. Due to their role in moving goods throughout the country, delivery vehicles are naturally much larger and heavier than the average passenger car, which can create much more devastating damage and injuries. Examining statistics can be a laborious task, but the value that analyzing this information can provide is crucial to driving more safely.
Understanding statistics can be difficult and some academics devote their entire professional lives to the study of statistics. Analyzing and collating the data can consume the time of even the most gifted statistician. However, summarizing this information in an easy to comprehend way, can increase the average person’s ability to apply the information to their lives.
Michigan Truck Accident Facts and Stats
It takes a significant investment of time to accurately collect and interpret data about vehicle collisions. Considering this and the fact that Michigan bundles commercial trucks and buses into a single category. 2022 is Michigan’s latest statistics for accidents and provides the following insight:
- Among all vehicle crashes, more than 70,000 reported instances of personal injury.
- There were more than 15,000 crashes involving commercial trucks and buses.
- Fatalities in truck and bus collisions increased by 2%, from 103 fatalities in 2021 to 105 fatalities in 2022.
- Most accidents involving trucks and buses occurred between the hours of 12:00 pm – 2:59 pm.
- Of the days of the week, most crashes occur on Friday.
National Crash Statistics and How They Compare to Michigan Crashes
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the most recent data from 2021 shows that 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions. Considering the number of fatalities in Michigan in 2021, fatal truck accidents account for 1.8% of the national total. This may not seem like a significant percentage, but it may show that Michigan is marginally safer to drive in when compared to the United States as a whole.
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Truck Crash Injury and Fatality Statistics Between 2021 and 2022
There can be trends to examine that can also lead to safer business practices and driving habits. Analyzing these trends can help researchers understand why accidents may or may not occur at certain locations or times of the day. By reviewing the Michigan State Police’s Traffic Crash Reporting System (TCRS), we can see that:
- Accidents involving trucks and buses increased in 2022 from 15,802 to 14,293 in 2021.
- The month of November sees the most crashes of any month.
- Men account for over 67% of truck/bus crashes versus women at just over 25%.
- The State Police’s report also shows a significant decrease for the year 2020, likely due to many areas being on lockdown.
While statistics are meant to help us understand why accidents occur, many incidents and injuries can go unreported. Certain individuals may not want to report accidents, especially when they are single-vehicle accidents without injury, for fear of their insurance premiums rising or if they were engaged in illegal or unsafe driving habits. This lack of reporting can skew the resulting statistics in some cases.
Causes of Truck Accidents and How They Can Affect Published Statistics
Commercial truck accidents can happen for many different reasons, ranging from other vehicles driving recklessly to creating dangerous situations for truckers. Data can be difficult to come by when composing an accurate representation of the exact reasons why a particular accident occurred. Some of the more common and reported causes are:
- Distracted driving – Modern commercial vehicles are equipped with built-in safety systems, such as lane-keeping assistance and autonomous braking, which can make drivers overconfident.
- Fatigued driving – Today’s consumers expect deliveries nearly instantaneously, which puts pressure on drivers to push beyond their mandated driving schedules.
- Drunk or drugged driving – Some truckers may use drugs like amphetamines to stay awake during long stretches of driving. Likewise, the stress of driving on today’s roads can tempt drivers to imbibe alcohol to reduce stress, both of which decrease safe driving practices.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has very specific and legally mandated schedules that all truckers must follow. Known as Hours-of-Service regulations, these rules are in place to allow drivers who are carrying heavy or hazardous loads to have regular blocks of time to rest between long interstate hauls. Drivers must keep recorded logs of their time behind the wheel and mandated breaks to avoid fatigued driving, which can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Ensure You Are Driving as Safely as Possible and Find the Representation for You
Whether you have been injured in an accident with a commercial truck or if you are a professional trucker and have been involved in an accident for which you were not at fault, White Law PLLC can guide you through the court system in Michigan. If you have been injured or are defending the rights of your career, we will work tirelessly to provide the necessary assistance for whatever your case may require. Do not hesitate to call us or fill out our contact form now to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation today.
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