America’s Most Dangerous States for Truck Accidents

Every day, thousands of trucks travel across the highways of the United States. These large vehicles play an important role in the economy, moving goods from one place to another. But while trucks are necessary for businesses and communities, they can also pose serious dangers on the road, especially when there’s a high frequency of trucks. 

Unlike car accidents, truck accidents almost always lead to severe injuries and long-term consequences. Trucks are much larger and their weight is so high that they can cause irreparable property damage, but also leave the victims with severe injuries or even cause loss of life. 

Truck drivers must follow strict rules and drive with care. But even with safety measures in place, accidents still happen. Some states see more truck-related crashes than others. This can be due to a number of reasons, including road conditions, traffic levels, weather, and how strict the state is about safety laws.

In this article, we’ll look at the states in America where truck accidents are most common. We’ll also explore some key statistics to help understand the problem better.

Truck accident statistics in the US

Truck accidents are not rare. Lately, their number has been on the rise. This is due to the fact that the trucking industry has seen a boom and started hiring more truck drivers. 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 168,000 truck accidents in the US in 2022 that involved injury or property damage. Out of those, nearly 5,000 crashes were fatal. That means, on average, about 13 large trucks were involved in deadly accidents each day.

When looking at all vehicle crashes, trucks make up a smaller portion. But because of their size and weight, truck crashes are often much more serious. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it hard to stop quickly or avoid a crash. Most of the people who die in truck accidents are in smaller vehicles, not the truck itself.

However, it’s also possible that two trucks end up in a collision. The consequences of such collisions are far-reaching.

States with the most truck accidents

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most dangerous states in the country when it comes to truck accidents. These states see high numbers of crashes every year, and the statistics just go to show that the problem needs to be addressed and confronted with concrete measures. 

Indiana

Indiana may not seem like an obvious candidate for this list, but it is a major hub for shipping and logistics. Located in the Midwest, it connects the East Coast with the rest of the country, meaning it sees a high frequency of trucks on a daily basis. 

Highways like I-70 and I-65 see a lot of truck movement. In 2022, Indiana saw over 180 truck-related deaths, and that’s quite a high number for a smaller state. Weather conditions, especially in the winter, add to the risk. Snow, ice, and fog can make it harder for trucks to stay in control.

Additionally, truck drivers are often forced to drive long shifts and don’t have enough time for a break, which makes them drowsy and less focused.

In such cases, trucking companies also share the blame if it comes to an accident, so a truck driver should always turn to a truck accident attorney for legal advice. Each state has its own set of regulations and that’s why you need an expert who’s familiar with all of them. 

Texas

Texas is one of the largest states in the US, and it also has the most truck crashes. On top of that, Texas gets a high influx of tourists each that only makes traffic even more chaotic.

On average, Texas reports over 700 fatal truck accidents per year, more than any other state. With so many major highways, it's not surprising that Texas takes the lead in truck traffic and crashes. The state’s booming oil and construction industries mean more trucks on the road, increasing the chances of accidents.

California

California also sees a high number of truck accidents every year. The state’s busy highways are important routes for shipping goods across the West Coast. California is also a crowded state, especially during the summertime when tourists come pouring in. 

During peak season, it's crucial for truck drivers to drive with extra caution and, whenever possible, avoid rush hour traffic. They should also take regular breaks as planned, rather than skipping them to make up for time lost in traffic delays

Florida

Florida is known for its tourism and growing population. It also has a large number of trucks moving through its cities and highways. The combination of trucks, tourists, and congested roads leads to many crashes. 

Georgia

Georgia, with Atlanta as a major transportation hub, has become one of the most dangerous states for truck traffic. Trucking is big business here, and many cross-country shipments pass through. 

Key takeaways

Truck accidents are a serious problem across the United States. While they can happen anywhere, some states are more exposed than others. Each of the states we listed faces different challenges when it comes to trucking. 

With high traffic during peak season, challenging weather conditions, and long driving hours, the risk of crashes goes up.

Knowing which states see the most truck accidents can help drivers stay more alert and aware on the road. It also gives state officials a chance to look at what’s not working and find ways to make things safer. That might mean better training for truck drivers, tougher safety rules, or fixing up roads that are in bad shape. 

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a truck, a car, or just heading out on a long drive, staying cautious around big trucks is always a smart move.

By paying attention to accident data and encouraging safer driving, we can work toward reducing the number of deadly truck crashes in America and making it a safer environment for truck drivers.