Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Increased the Frequency of Truck Crashes?

 Posted on June 15, 2021 in Uncategorized

Americans relied heavily on commercial truck drivers to transport goods long before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the virus has triggered an unprecedented increase in the number of products being shipped on trucks. Whether ordering home goods from Amazon, mailing a birthday present through FedEx, or receiving an eBay purchase through UPS, most of us are using delivery services more than ever. Many people wonder if the increased number of trucks on the road has led to an increase in the number of truck crashes.

Data Shows That Fatal Auto Accidents Increased During 2020

According to the National Safety Council, traffic deaths increased significantly in 2020. Just over 42,000 individuals lost their lives in vehicle crashes last year. This increase marks the largest jump in traffic deaths since the NSC started keeping track of traffic fatality data almost 100 years ago. There is less data available regarding the frequency of large commercial vehicle / 18-wheeler wrecks in 2020. However, many experts estimate that commercial vehicle / 18-wheeler crashes have significantly increased concurrently with other types of auto wrecks.

Many Worry That FMCSA Hours of Service Modifications Will Increase Truck Crashes

We need truck drivers to transport vital medical supplies – including the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is also essential that truck drivers avoid driving while too stressed or fatigued to drive safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) loosened the hours-of-service regulations in 2020 to accommodate increased demand. Additionally, drivers who provide essential items covered by the emergency relief exemption are not required to take a 30-minute break or follow other hours-of-service regulations. These modifications have been extended several times. While everyone agrees that transporting essential items quickly and efficiently is of primary importance, some worry that these measures may increase the risk of large commercial vehicle / 18-wheeler accidents.

Contact a McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck drivers and trucking companies play a critical role in getting us through this difficult time. However, these parties must ensure that their actions do not put others in danger. If you or a loved one were hurt in a commercial vehicle / 18-wheeler collision caused by the negligent actions of another, we can help you identify all responsible parties and protect your interests while you focus on healing your body and mind. To learn more, contact a McKinney truck accident attorney at Burress Injury Law. You may be able to recover compensation for your property damage, medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call us at 214-726-0016 for a free, confidential consultation.

Burress Injury Law is a highly rated personal injury firm based in McKinney, Collin County, Texas. As of the date of this publication, we have recovered more than $150 Million on behalf of our clients. We have a winning percentage higher than 99.9% and we maintain a perfect 5.0-star Google rating after hundreds of client reviews. Our attorneys have tried more cases than any other injury law firm in Collin County.

Sources:
NSC: Motor Vehicle Deaths in 2020 Estimated to be Highest in 13 Years, Despite Dramatic Drops in Miles Driven
FMCSA: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information & Resources