“Driving a heavy-duty truck remains among the nation’s deadliest occupations, with on-the-job deaths of truckers setting a record in 2017.
Last year, 840 truckers lost their lives on the job, 6.6 percent more than the 786 reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2016. The number of heavy-duty trucking deaths has risen by 25 percent since 2011.
The labor bureau data are in line with other data that show an increase in the number of deaths involving trucking. An October report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that traffic fatalities involving large trucks rose 9 percent year over year to the highest level in 29 years. Heavy-duty truck fatalities rose 3 percent in 2017 compared with 2016.
Trucking as a profession had 26.8 deaths per 10,000 workers, compared with 3.5 deaths per 10,000 for all professions.”
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When the discussion of truck accident comes up, many people think of the other victims involved. After all, most vehicles don’t stand a chance against big and bulky tractor trailers. However, given a moment to reflect on what is required to drive a truck, it becomes clear just how difficult the job is.
The weather for one can wreak havoc for truckers. Trying to abruptly stop when something crosses their path is an impossible task. Then tack on the stress of meeting delivery dates and you start to get a sense of how stressful it can be. The fact that trucker deaths are steadily increasing each year is alarming.
If you or a family member has been involved in a trucking accident, contact the lawyers at Krug & Zupke. We’ll work with you to get the compensation that is deserved. Call us at 651-645-7746 for a free consultation or visit our trucking page for more information.
