Texas is a huge state with an even bigger stake in the trucking industry. However, the more trucks passing through the state, the greater the potential for truck accidents. With its unique combination of dense traffic, long stretches of rural roads, and vital role in national logistics, the state has been fighting the good fight against a concerning rise in 18-wheeler truck accidents in Texas.
The Gravity of the Situation
Texas isn’t the only one suffering when it comes to trucking accidents. There’s an increasing trend of fatal truck accidents all across the nation. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) most recent statistics (2021) 13.5% of fatal crashes in the country involved at least one large truck and 8.7% of nonfatal crashes involved a large truck. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 2023 saw 3,863 fatal accidents of which 615 involved a large truck, that’s 15.9%. These statistics become more alarming when Texas is listed as the number one state for fatal accidents.
Major highways like Interstate 10 (I-10) in Harris County and Interstate 20 (I-20) in Dallas County are among the deadliest in the US when it comes to truck-related accidents. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS) between 2010 and 2016 showed that these highways in particular were notorious due to sheer volume.
The I-10 ranked as the fifth most dangerous highway in the country during this study with 585 fatal crashes that resulted in 676 fatalities. The I-20 followed closely behind with 490 fatal crashes that caused 594 fatalities. These are only the worst of the highways in Texas, there are others also on the list of hazardous roadways. It’s obvious that the state of Texas holds a disproportionate share of the national truck accident burden.
The Role of the Driver
Over 30% of the recorded truck-related accidents with a fatality reported by the FMCSA in 2021 recorded driver-related factors contributing to the accident. The top driver-related factors are:
- Speeding: In 2021, 397 (7%) fatal accidents were found to have been at least partially caused by the driver traveling above the speed limit.
- Distraction: Distraction includes drivers using their cell phones while driving, being lost in thought, and eating while driving. Distraction was found to be involved in 278 fatal accidents (4.9%).
- Careless Driving: This category includes inattentive operations, improper driving, and driving without due care. This contributed to 264 fatal accidents (4.7%).
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Resulted in 256 fatal accidents (4.5%).
- Impairment: A driver is considered impaired if they’re found to be suffering from fatigue, alcohol consumption, illness, drug use, and so on. Impairment was found to be a contributing factor in 234 fatal accidents (4.2%). This statistic could be higher since the drivers of the involved trucks were not drug-tested 62% of the time.
These statistics have increased since 2017. They highlight the need for stricter regulation and enforcement but also call for safer driving practices for all people on the road. Texas Truck accidents result in death and severe injuries more often than any other accident. These vehicles are large and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds meaning collisions with them have the potential for catastrophic outcomes, especially with smaller vehicles.
How is Texas Taking on Truck Safety?
Texas’ fatal accident statistics decreased by 2% between 2021 and 2022. While that may not seem like much, when you’re talking about a state that reports around 4,000 fatal accidents a year, that’s 80 lives.
Texas has initiated strong legislative action and regulation to help increase the safety of its roadways. Most of these steps are aimed at minimizing driver fatigue and maintaining vehicle compliance. Others address larger issues like their zero tolerance for truck drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Driver Working Hours
Texas readily enforces the federally mandated Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These regulations fight driver fatigue by setting the maximum amount of time that drivers are allowed to be on duty and the appropriate rest periods.
- Maximum Driving Hours: After resting for 10 consecutive hours, drivers are allowed to drive no more than 11 hours straight in most cases.
- Rest Breaks: After 8 cumulative hours (without at least a 30-minute stop) a driver must take a 30-minute break.
- On-Duty Limitations: There’s a 14-hour window in which drivers can complete all their driving. After that 14-hour window, they must take their 10 consecutive hours of rest.
- Weekly Hours: There are restrictions on how many driving hours a driver can have over a 7-day or 8-day period.
These regulations are tracked and monitored using state enforcement agencies, inspections, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) that automatically record their driving hours.
Weight Limits and Safety Standards
Overloading a truck is a known risk factor for accidents. Texas enforces strict compliance with weight limits on these commercial vehicles. The state’s transportation code specifies the maximum allowable weight according to the truck’s configuration and axle groups as well as how to properly secure it. These weights are enforced at weigh stations and roadside inspections. Trucks in Texas are also subject to regular inspections and maintenance to make sure these vehicles are in safe operating condition.
Public Awareness Campaigns
These campaigns educate commercial drivers and the general public about safe driving practices. One of the most important messages is the importance of keeping a safe distance around trucks and the specific risks with large vehicles on the road like blind spots and longer stopping distances.
Infrastructure Improvements
Road conditions and design can impact truck safety. Texas invests in infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing some of these risks. This includes widening the older highways, improving signage, adding or enhancing guardrails, and creating dedicated lanes for slower-moving vehicles.
Conclusion
Texas has a high incidence of truck-involved accidents which presents a pressing concern. While the statistics do paint a grim picture, they also push for change. Change is already happening and the more stakeholders that commute to making Texas roads safer for everyone, the more those numbers will go down. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, call a Fort Worth accident attorney today.
