A trucking accident involving an eighteen wheeler, tractor-trailer is generally much more serious than a typical car accident. In Atlanta, large trucks are not allowed within the I-285 perimeter unless they have specific business within the area. As a result, there is heavy truck traffic around the outside of the metro area which includes three major interstates plus their by-passes creating a higher risk of a serious injury or wrongful death.
The Motor Carrier Safety Progress Report updated through March 31, 2009 and released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicated there were almost 5,000 deaths in trucking related accidents in the United States in 2006. With approximately 8.5 million trucks on the road at that time, the fatality rate was approximately .06 percent. Of course there were many more injuries than fatalities due to tractor trailer accidents; numbering over 126,000 in 2006 and dropping to 124,000 in 2007.
What can you do to be more safe on our Atlanta area roadways? Drive defensively and be aware that large commercial trucks cannot maneuver quickly. Give tractor trailers the space they need to change lanes and make wide turns. Most importantly, always be aware of traffic around you while traveling on the highway and look for open areas should you need to take defensive action. Make sure you are rested and alert before you hit the road and have a safe trip!
Resources:
Commercial Motor Vehicle Facts
