Over the past couple of years, there seems to be an increase in delivery trucks. Rural roads with very little traffic are becoming used to seeing UPS, FedEx, and semi-trucks making regular trips as they deliver consumer goods.
More trucks on already over-crowded highways mean a greater risk for catastrophic accidents.
The surge shows no signs of slowing
Truck mileage from semi-trailers and delivery trucks reached 300 billion miles between September 2020 to September 2021. It’s expected to increase by 4.5 percent in 2022 and an additional 2.9 percent in 2023. While there is currently a shortage of truck drivers, there are plans in place to make the profession more enticing to younger drivers, including apprenticeships and easier pathways to acquiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
In 2019, police reported 510,000 crashes involving large trucks. 4,479 resulted in fatalities, and 114,000 resulted in injuries. Remember your defensive driving techniques when sharing the road with semis and delivery trucks. Here are some tips:
- Be aware of blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, the truck driver can’t see you.
- Trucks need more room than cars to stop, so be sure to give them plenty of space.
- Don’t cut in front of trucks. Cutting in front of a tractor-trailer can force the driver to brake suddenly, increasing the risk of an accident.
While you may take all the necessary precautions to avoid a collision, accidents can and do happen. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is important to be aware of your legal rights and options. Seek legal assistance to help you get compensation.
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