Many Alabamans have known the importance of the trucking industry in the state. But they may not have known that Alabama ranks as one of the deadliest states regarding fatalities involving these colossal, big-rig trucks.
According to a recent report released by the Truck Safety Coalition, Alabama tied for third among all states in the number of fatalities attributed to large trucks per 100,000 residents. In coming up with its findings, the safety group relied on 2020 statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Tied with four other states
The report noted that, when it comes to deadly large truck crashes, Alabama recorded 2.9 fatalities per 100,000 residents, tying with four other states – Nebraska, Arkansas, Montana and Idaho. In 2020,
The only states to rank higher were Wyoming (4.3) and South Dakota (3.1). Alabama’s neighbors Mississippi (2.8) ranked eighth and Tennessee (2.6) ranked 10th.
Texas (643), California (398) and Florida (344) recorded the most fatalities in large truck-related crashes in 2020. Alabama recorded 141 such fatalities.
This is unwelcomed news, coming only months after the NHTSA estimated that large truck-related fatalities in the country increased by 13% to more than 5,600 in 2021.
Be aware and stay safe
All it takes for a roadway tragedy to occur is a distracted, drowsy, reckless and impaired big-rig truck driver. Defective parts such as the steering and brakes also may contribute to a crash. Just make sure that when you are on the road to give these large trucks the space they need and continue to drive safely.
