In 2005, 442,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; 4,932 were involved in fatal crashes. A total of 5,212 people died (12 percent of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2005) and an additional 114,000 were injured in those crashes.

In 2004, large trucks accounted for 3 percent of all registered vehicles and 8 percent of total vehicle miles traveled (2005 registered vehicle and vehicle miles traveled data not available). In 2005, large trucks accounted for 8 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 4 percent of all vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes.

One out of eight traffic fatalities in 2005 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.

Table 1
Involvement in Fatal and Injury Crashes and Involvement Rates for Large Trucks, 1995-2005

Of the fatalities that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 76 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 9 percent were nonoccupants, and 15 percent were occupants of a large truck.

Of the injuries that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 74 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 2 percent were nonoccupants, and 24 percent were occupants of a large truck.

Table 2
Fatalities and Injuries in Crashes Involving Large Trucks, 2005

Large trucks were much more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple-vehicle crash – as opposed to a fatal single-vehicle crash – than were passenger vehicles (83 percent of all large trucks involved in fatal crashes, compared with 61 percent of all passenger vehicles).

In 30 percent of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were impacted in the front. The truck was struck in the rear 2.6 times as often as the other vehicle (18 percent and 7 percent, respectively).

Table 3
Principal Impact Points in Two-Vehicle Fatal Crashes Involving Large Trucks, 2005

In half (50%) of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of the crash. In 10 percent of the crashes, the other vehicle was turning. In 8 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was negotiating a curve. In 7 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was stopped or parked in a traffic lane (5% and 2%, respectively).

Most of the fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas (61%), during the daytime (67%), and on weekdays (81%). During the week, 74 percent of the crashes occurred during the daytime (6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.). On weekends, 60 percent occurred at night (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.).

The percentage of large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher was 1 percent in 2005. For drivers of other types of vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2005, the percentages of drivers with BAC levels .08 g/dL or higher were 22 percent for passenger cars, 21 percent for light trucks, and 27 percent for motorcycles.

Drivers of large trucks were less likely to have a previous license suspension or revocation than were passenger car drivers (7% and 14%, respectively).

Figure 1
Estimated Proportions of Drivers in Fatal Crashes with BAC .08 g/dL or Greater, 1995-2005

Less than one-fourth (24%) of all large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2005 had at least one prior speeding conviction, compared to 19 percent of the passenger car drivers involved in fatal crashes.

Figure 2
Previous Driving Records of Drivers Involved in Fatal Traffic Crashes, by Type of Vehicle, 2005

Table 4 - Large Truck Involvement in Fatal Crashes by State, 2005

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