There is some good news when it comes to the number of serious car accidents in Homestead and other U.S. communities. Between 2012 and 2013, the number of fatal automobile crashes across the nation dropped about three percent while the number of injuries in car collisions declined about two percent.
While the number of fatal car accidents is declining and while the number of injuries in car collisions is also on the wane – possibly due to improved technology in cars – safety experts are concerned that the number of fatal trucking accidents is not similarly dropping. In fact, some statistics show that the number of these deadly crashes seems to be on the rise.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2012 there were 3,921 fatal trucking collisions on U.S. roadways. This is a four percent increase over the year before. In addition, between 2009 and 2012 the number of trucking collisions leading to injury increased 42 percent while the number of fatal automobile crashes involving trucks increased 18 percent in the same time period.
According to researchers, this is especially troubling since between 2009 and 2011, the total number of trucks on highways and roads actually declined by over six percent while the number of miles traveled by commercial trucks dropped seven percent in the same time frame. This means that the number of injuries and fatalities in these crashes is on the upswing at the same time as the number of trucks is smaller, which should seemingly lead to fewer crashes.
The NHTSA finds that truck driver fatigue may be part of the reason for the numbers. The number of DUI accidents in Homestead and other U.S. cities involving truck drivers is small and truck drivers who cause fatal collisions are less likely other drivers of passenger cars to have a history of license suspension. In addition, truck drivers are generally better trained and more often tested in terms of their driving skills than other drivers.
The NHTSA does think that truck driver fatigue in Homestead and other cities is a serious issue. Despite hours of service rules that limit how long commercial truck drivers can stay on the road before resting, the number of truck drivers who surpass allowed hours and the number of truck drivers who are fatigued when driving may be significant, according to some safety experts. The hours of service rules have recently been changed and the NHTSA has stated that the further reduction of driving hours could help prevent traffic collisions.
If you have been seriously injured in a traffic accident caused by negligence, you deserve compensation and justice. Florida law may entitle you to compensation that can help you pay for medical-related expenses, car repairs, lost income, and other expenses. To schedule a free case evaluation to review your options, please contact Flaxman Law Group today. Our attorneys represent car accident and truck accident survivors across South Florida from our offices in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami. Your initial consultation is free and comes with absolutely no obligation.