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Tennessee among deadliest states involving large truck crashes

Tennessee ranks among the deadliest dozen states when it comes to fatalities stemming from large truck crashes, according to a recent study released by a trucking safety group.

The deadly rankings are based on a Truck Safety Coalition study that reviewed the number of fatalities in large truck-related crashes per 100,000 residents of each state. The Washington-based safety group based its findings on data from 2020 provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Volunteer State tied for 10th

Tennessee tied with Kentucky, ranking 10th in the nation on this dubious list. Each state recorded 2.6 fatalities per 100,000 residents in big-rig truck crashes.

Wyoming ranked as the deadliest state with 4.3 deaths.

The remaining states that ranked ahead of Tennessee were South Dakota (3.1), Nebraska, Arkansas, Montana, Alabama and Idaho (each at 2.9), Mississippi (2.8) and North Dakota (2.7). Rounding out the dozen most deadly states and ranking behind Tennessee was South Carolina (2.5).

Truck crash injuries increased 13%

This news comes only four months after the NHTSA disclosed that fatalities in collisions involving large trucks rose by 13% in 2021 to 5,610, compared with the 4,965 fatalities in 2020. Fatalities stemming from large truck crashes had held steady from 2016 to 2020 with an average number of deaths at 4,917 during that five-year period.

In reviewing data from 2020, the NHTSA estimated that 146,630 people sustained injuries in large truck accidents. That number marked an 8% decrease in the number of injuries in 2019.

Be alert when sharing the road with large trucks

Big-rig trucks are a regular sight on Tennessee roadways and highways. Please remain aware of the potential hazards involved when sharing the road with these 18-wheelers. Those hazards may include reckless, distracted, impaired and drowsy driving from truck drivers. Maintain your distance and focus on safety.

If you or a family member has been severely injured by a large truck, you need to speak with an experienced attorney.  Attorneys at Summers, Rufolo, & Rodgers have experience representing people or families who are victims on large truck accidents.

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