Phoenix is a strategic location that has a lot of commercial trucking activity. However, this also means more risks for the citizens of Phoenix. Data on accidents is tracked by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) so that everyone may learn more about what causes crashes.
The following are six alarming Phoenix truck accident stats that you need to know.
The Number of Truck Accidents Has Increased
According to ADOT, more truck accidents have occurred recently. In 2018, there were 2,187 truck accidents reported. This number increased to 2,365 in 2019, representing a 7.6% increase. It’s critical to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable truck accident attorney if you or a family are victims of an accident so they can help you get all the compensation you are entitled to.
Phoenix is the 5th Most Dangerous City for Truck Drivers
Phoenix is ranked as the fifth-most dangerous city for truckers by the NHTSA. In Phoenix, there were 13.2 fatal occupational injuries for every 100,000 workers in 2019, more than the 8.7 per 100,000 workers nationwide average. Eighty-two fatal truck incidents occurred in Phoenix in 2020, comprising nearly 10% of all fatal collisions.
Truck Accidents Are More Likely To Be Fatal
Four thousand nine hundred nine accidents involving large trucks occurred in Arizona in 2018; according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, 87 of those accidents led to fatalities. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2019, 4,119 people died in accidents involving large trucks. Of these, 67% were occupants of other vehicles, while 15% were truck occupants.
Driver Fatigue is a Leading Cause of Truck Accidents
The FMCSA reports that fatigued driving contributed to 13% of all truck accidents in 2019. Another factor is the state’s lenient driving laws and regulations, which can lead to unsafe driving practices by truck drivers and other motorists. For instance, Arizona does not mandate rest intervals for long-distance drivers and permits commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) applicants as young as 18.
Truck Accidents Can Result in Significant Property Damage
In 2019, there were 5,572 accidents involving commercial vehicles in Arizona. An estimated $200 million in property damage resulted from these incidents. Suppose your property is damaged, it’s essential to seek the help of an experienced truck accident attorney to negotiate with insurance companies and recover the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Truck Accidents Mostly Occur on Weekdays
83% of fatal crashes and 88% of nonfatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on weekdays. Some causes of the accident include traffic during rush hour and possibly increased difficult driving conditions during peak travel hours.
Summary
Truck accidents are a severe problem in Phoenix and require increased attention from both drivers and lawmakers. Remember always to practice safe driving habits, stay alert on the road, and follow all traffic laws to avoid becoming a statistic. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can assist you in holding negligent people accountable for their conduct and working to stop similar accidents from happening in the future.
Read Also: Top 10 Truck Accident Factors
