Status Report on Large Truck Safety in the United States

In contrast to public concern over “killer trucks,” large truck fatality and accident rates are falling. Large truck occupant fatalities decreased 25% over the past 12 years, as safety belt use increased from less than 6% to 33%. But the fatality rate remains 75% higher than the rate for all vehicles, because the mass of a truck puts occupants in other vehicles at greater risk. Double trailer combinations are underrepresented in accidents, while bobtail tractors are overrepresented. Limited-access highways are 4 times safer for trucks than other highways, and daytime travel is 3 times safer than nighttime travel.