Texas is famous for being the largest state in the Lower 48, but there’s one area where being number one isn’t something to celebrate: truck accidents.

Texas led the nation with 810 deaths from crashes involving large trucks in 2022. This was nearly double California’s reported fatalities, which stood at 436, putting the Golden State in a distant second place.

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Key Statistics on Truck Accidents in the U.S.

A large truck is any commercial or non-commercial medium or heavy truck with a gross vehicle weight above 10,000 pounds.

In 2022, some 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents, which was an increase from 5,788 in 2021, 4,842 in 2020, and 5,033 in 2019. The decline in fatal crashes in the year 2020 was linked to global events, but the numbers from other years stayed consistently high.

The National Safety Council has reported a 49% increase in fatal truck crashes in the last 10 years. The same report also indicates that large trucks accounted for 6% of all vehicles involved in accidents in the U.S. over the last decade.

Key Statistics on Truck Accidents in Texas

In 2022, Texas had the highest number of truck accidents and the highest number of fatalities in the country. Additionally, Texas ranks fifth among U.S. states in the number of deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled.

Why is Texas such a dangerous place when it comes to trucks? There are a few notable reasons, including:

  • Texas has a large trucking industry, with countless 18-wheelers crossing the state daily
  • Texas is big, and long hauls mean more opportunities for driver fatigue
  • Some Texas highways let you cruise at 85 mph, and the outcomes of high-speed collisions can be catastrophic
  • The trucking industry is desperate for drivers, and some companies hire inexperienced ones
  • Texas isn’t known for strict regulation of trucking companies

For every death, there are many more injuries and near-misses, and the economic and human toll is staggering.

Texas Truck Accidents Are the Worst in the Nation

Year
Nationwide Truck-Related Fatalities in 2022
2019
5,033
2020
4,842
2021
5,788
2022
5,837
State
Truck-Related Fatalities in 2022
Texas
810
California
436
Florida
368

Causes of Truck Accidents in Texas

Here are the leading culprits for the high number of truck accidents in Texas:

Speeding

Speeding is a major cause of truck accidents. Data on the occurrence of accidents show that most truck crashes attributed to speeding happen in rural areas where there’s less congestion.

Unfortunately, truck drivers underestimate the dangers associated with speeding in a truck. It’s harder to control a big vehicle at high speeds, resulting in delayed reactions that can harm other road users and the truck’s occupants.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and decrease their awareness on the road.

Despite the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishing hours-of-service regulations, truck drivers frequently violate them and work longer hours, leading to fatigue. Such behavior also can lead to “microsleeps,” where drivers involuntarily fall asleep for a few seconds, increasing the possibility of truck accidents.

Improper Loading

Overloading and imbalanced loads increase the chances of fatal accidents. As such, following the recommended payload should be enforced as a non-negotiable rule.

Undertrained and Inexperienced Drivers

Due to the high demand for truck drivers in Texas, companies sometimes hire inexperienced drivers. The lack of adequate knowledge and training can contribute to the risk of accidents.

Distracted Driving

Activities like using a phone, adjusting the radio, looking at navigation systems, or eating and drinking while driving can divert a driver’s attention and make accidents difficult to avoid.

Driving Under the Influence

Irresponsible truck drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances also contribute to the number of truck accidents in Texas.

High-Risk Areas for Truck Accidents in Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation’s statistics on truck accidents reveal the counties with the highest numbers of accidents annually. They include:

  • Harris County
  • Dallas County
  • Bexar County
  • Tarrant County
  • Denton County
  • Collin County

There are also considerable numbers of truck accidents on highways like:

  • Interstate 45
  • Interstate 20
  • Interstate 35
  • Interstate 10

Drivers in these areas should exercise particular caution, especially when operating their vehicles in the vicinity of large trucks.

Reducing the Occurrence of Truck Accidents in Texas

The trend of truck accidents in Texas is alarming. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help.

Stricter enforcement of existing regulations would be a good start. Similarly, better training for new drivers is crucial, and emerging technologies like automatic braking systems and driver-assist features could also help.

But perhaps the most effective solution might be the simplest: slowing down. Speed is a factor in a huge percentage of fatal crashes, especially those involving trucks, which take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles.

Texas likes to think big. But when it comes to truck accidents, everyone can agree that smaller is better.