Statistics released by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration indicate that one out of every nine motor vehicle accidents involve a large truck. This amounts to approximately 380,000 trucking accidents annually. These trucking accidents result in over 4,200 fatalities and 90,000 injuries every year.

In 2007, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a report entitled, “The Large Truck Causation Study”. This groundbreaking study remains one of the most in-depth examinations of what factors cause trucking accidentsnationwide.

The report looked at 967 motor vehicle accidents involving at least one commercial truck across the country. These trucking accidents resulted in approximately 250 fatalities and 1,400 injuries.

The study identified ten primary causes of trucking accidents. These factors are listed below:

(1) Prescription and Illicit Drugs: Delayed reaction time resulting from the use of prescription or illicit drugs was a contributing factor in 26 percent of the trucking accidents within the study sample.

(2) Speeding: Speeding was a factor in 23 percent of the trucking accidents within the study sample. Speeding trucks are particularly dangerous due to their weight. Even a mile of increased speed can enhance the danger of a trucking accident.

(3) Unfamiliar Roadways: Unfamiliarity with the roads being driven on was a factor in 22 percent of the trucking accidents within the study sample.

(4) Over the Counter Drugs: Delayed reaction time resulting from the use of over the counter drugs was a factor in 18 percent of the trucking accidents within the study sample.

(5) Blind Spots: Failure to check blind spots properly was a factor in 14 percent of trucking accidents within the study sample.

(6) Fatigue: Driver fatigue was a factor in 13 percent of trucking accidents within the study sample.

(7) Illegal Maneuvers: Illegal maneuvers such as, failure to signal before turning was a factor in 9 percent of trucking accidents within the study sample.

(8) Distracted Driving: Driver distraction including, roadwork and accidents, was a factor in 8 percent of trucking accidents within the study sample.

(9) Underestimating Necessary Evasions: Underestimating the level of evasive action necessary to avoid an accident was a factor in 7 percent of trucking accidents within the study sample.

(10) Aggressive Driving: Road rage was a factor in 7 percent of trucking accidents within the study sample.

As this study indicates, a variety of factors can contribute to trucking accidents. Many of these factors are caused by acts or omissions on the part of the truck driver. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, driver negligence can cause serious injury or death as well as, loss of property.

If you have been involved in a trucking accident, you should contact an attorney immediately. An attorney can review the facts of your case to determine what factors lead to your trucking accident and to seek compensation for your injuries and losses from the responsible parties.