In the year 2008 the number of fatal truck related traffic accidents was 4,245, in the year 2009 this number has decreased by 20 percent to 3,380. When investigating the reason of this decline it was noticed that since the improved hours-of-service regulation was activated in 2004, the total of truck related fatalities has decreased a total of 33percent.
The American Trucking Association fully supports the hours-of-service regulation, and believes the benefits of the regulation will help to further improve trucking safety throughout the nation. “ATA has always been in favor of strong enforcement of safety rules and regulations,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “These latest figures illustrate the trucking industry’s deep commitment to improving highway safety.”
The fact that the trucking industry is working to improve its safety tactics is paying off in the 865 lives saved in the year 2009. The hours-of-service regulations have put a limit on how long a truck driver is able to stay on the road without rest. With a mandatory rest period of 10 consecutive hours, truck drivers should not feel such a strong pressure to stay awake for long periods of time. Without this pressure, drivers are able to stay more focused on the road and do not have to seek out alternative meatheads to stay awake.
Along with supporting the hours-of-service regulations, the ATA has encouraged drivers to use daily safety precautions such as using their seat belts, keeping within the national maximum speed limit and maintaining a drug and alcohol free standard. Commercial truck drivers are also requested to maintain a form of professionalism while on the road. This professionalism will help drivers to better recognize the benefits of safe and courteous driving methods.
Along with ensuring they are getting enough sleep and practicing daily safety precautions, drivers are encouraged to deter from distractive activities while they are driving. Activities such as talking on the phone and texting while driving increase a driver’s probability of getting into an accident by almost 50 percent. When these safety methods are followed, the roads become a better place not only for those driving alongside commercial trucks, but for the drivers of the trucks as well.
Along with the 20 percent deduction of truck related traffic fatalities, a decrease of 26 percent for truck occupant deaths has also been recorded for 2009. In 2008 the number of truck occupant deaths was 682, the number is now a total of 503. The current percentages of truck related traffic fatalities and truck occupant deaths are currently at theirs lowest points recorded in Department of Transportation history.
This information shows a great improvement in the concern of truckers and trucking companies to make safety a number one priority. The continued efforts of truck drivers throughout the nation to comply with the hours-of-service regulations and other safe driving practices will hopefully improve upon the decreasing number of truck related fatalities and improve the safety of America’s highways.
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