According to the latest federal data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,115 truck drivers and sales drivers died on the job in 2022—an 8% increase from 2021. That makes truck driving the occupation with the highest number of work-related fatalities in the United States.
While it's not the deadliest job per capita (logging and fishing still top that list), truck driving ranks seventh overall, with a fatal injury rate of 26.8 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers.
The danger isn't only about the number of deaths—it's about the consistent trend. Fatalities among truck drivers have been rising year over year, despite advancements in vehicle technology and safety training. In total, more than 5,900 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2022, with 823 of those deaths being truck occupants, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the key factors contributing to these alarming numbers—from drowsy driving to vehicle maintenance failures—and what can be done to improve safety for truck drivers and everyone who shares the road with them.
Why are truck driver deaths so high?
Several factors contribute to the rising death toll among truck drivers. One of the most significant is driver fatigue—a long-standing and well-documented danger in the trucking industry. Despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations intended to limit drive times and mandate rest breaks, many drivers still report being pressured to meet demanding delivery schedules. In some cases, pay structures based on mileage or load delivery encourage drivers to stay behind the wheel longer than is safe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving was a factor in an estimated 91,000 crashes in a single year, including nearly 800 fatalities. While these numbers are alarming, they likely underrepresent the true impact, as fatigue-related crashes are notoriously difficult to identify and often go underreported. Experts agree: fatigue impairs reaction time, decision-making, and awareness—making it just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Long hours and high mileage also increase exposure to risk. While some U.S. drivers only travel a few thousand miles per year, the average semi-truck driver covers roughly 60,000 miles annually. More time on the road means a greater chance of encountering mechanical issues, unpredictable weather, dangerous road conditions, and other motorists who may not know how to safely share the road with large commercial vehicles.
Beyond fatigue and miles logged, other threats include inadequate vehicle maintenance, poor cargo loading practices, and lack of access to safe overnight parking, which leaves some drivers resting in unsafe or poorly lit areas. Even with improved vehicle safety technologies, human factors remain a major contributor to crash statistics.
And when those long hours meet faulty equipment, the risk increases even further.
Common Truck Defects That Cause Accidents
Defective truck components can also be responsible for commercial truck accidents. Some of the most common mechanical issues that lead to fatal crashes include:
- Tire or wheel failures
- Brake malfunctions
- Steering system defects
- Engine or transmission problems
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations to reduce these risks, but not all trucking companies comply with required maintenance standards. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also reports that poorly maintained trucks are significantly more likely to be involved in deadly crashes. With truck accident statistics continuing to rise, stricter enforcement and industry-wide accountability are essential to improving road safety.
How Can We Address this Problem?
Addressing the causes of fatal semi-truck accidents requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes both motorist and truck driver safety. While technology and improved regulations have helped reduce some risks, more proactive measures are needed to curb the number of truck accidents on freeways and interstates. From safety measures to stricter enforcement, these strategies can help prevent fatal crashes:
- Improving road infrastructure – Upgrading highways and rural roads to reduce traffic hazards, improve visibility, and create safer conditions for all motorists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
- Expanding driver assistance technology – Increasing the use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision alerts, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring to help prevent collisions.
- Strengthening drug and alcohol testing – Expanding the federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse database to include all commercial truck drivers, including those operating delivery trucks and box trucks, would help keep impaired drivers off the road.
- Mandating hair follicle drug testing – Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a more accurate and long-term assessment of drug use, making it a critical step in preventing impaired driving.
- Reducing distracted driving among passenger vehicles – Many truck accident statistics show that distracted drivers in passenger cars contribute significantly to fatal truck crashes. Stricter enforcement of texting and driving laws, along with better driver education, is essential for safer roadways.
With fatal vehicle accidents involving semi-trucks on the rise, federal agencies such as the DOT and FMCSA must work alongside insurance companies, lawmakers, and the trucking industry to implement these safety measures effectively. By prioritizing prevention, the industry can work toward reducing rollover crashes, high-speed collisions, and other dangerous truck accident statistics that continue to put lives at risk.
Working With A Personal Injury Lawyer In the Event of an Accident
Truck drivers face a higher risk of injury due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks and the long hours they spend on freeways and interstates. Whether a semi-truck accident is caused by another motorist’s negligence, a mechanical failure, or unsafe working conditions, injured drivers may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, here’s why working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential:
- Determining Liability – Accidents involving truck drivers, passenger cars, bicyclists, and motorcyclists can be complex, and multiple parties may be at fault, including other drivers, trucking companies, or even manufacturers of faulty truck parts. A lawyer can help establish responsibility.
- Handling Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even when a truck driver is seriously injured. An attorney ensures that your claim is taken seriously and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Understanding Federal Regulations – The FMCSA and DOT enforce strict regulations on commercial truck drivers, including limits on time of day spent driving and mandatory rest periods. If an accident resulted from a violation of these rules, a lawyer can use this to strengthen your case.
- Pursuing Compensation for Injuries – Trucking accidents often result in severe injuries, including spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. Legal representation can help you secure compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Filing a Claim for Workplace Injury – If a truck driver is injured while working, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if a third party (such as another motorist) is responsible, pursuing a personal injury claim can provide additional compensation.
With the number of truck accidents rising each year, injured drivers must take immediate action to protect their rights. If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, speaking with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can ensure that you receive fair treatment and the financial support you need to recover.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many truck accident victims can have a lengthy and painful road to recovery with overwhelming medical expenses, loss of wages, and/or permanent disability. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle crash, there are various State of Illinois laws that can help you receive compensation. Please contact the law firm of Palermo Law Group at (630) 684-2332 for a free consultation with nationally recognized truck accident lawyer, Mario Palermo, regarding the best approach to the legal issue of obtaining compensation for your injuries.