Are Truck Accident Fatalities Declining in Pennsylvania?

Accidents involving semi-trucks can be incredibly serious, especially for passenger vehicle occupants. Most fatalities in truck-related accidents are the occupants of smaller vehicles, which can weigh 20-30 times less than semis and have much lower ground clearance—creating a deadly collision scenario.

National Trends for 2018

According to the most recent national data—for the year 2018—truck accident deaths declined slightly but not significantly from 2017 to 2018. There were 4,136 total deaths from large truck accidents in 2018, as opposed to 4,115 in 2017. Eleven percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities involved large trucks for this calendar year.

Pennsylvania Statistics

In 2018, all of Pennsylvania’s recorded statistics fell to some degree. Although the declines were minor, the data suggests a general trend in the direction of fewer fatal accidents—a positive thing for all drivers.

Here’s a look at the numbers:

• Pennsylvania’s percentage of the total U.S. large trucks involved in fatalities fell one percent, from 3.9% in 2017 to 2.9% in 2018.

• The total number of vehicles involved in truck-related accidents fell from 1,711 in 2017 to 1,686 in 2018.

• The number of large trucks involved in accidents fell from 183 in 2017 to 139 in 2018.

• The total fatalities in Pennsylvania from truck-related accidents fell from 135 in 2017 to 122 in 2018.

Semi-trucks are a vital part of the American supply chain. However, the demanding hours and dangers of distracted driving can make large trucks a hazard on the road. Thankfully, in Pennsylvania, the statistics suggest that large truck accident fatalities are decreasing, meaning safer roads for passenger vehicle drivers like you.