A news release from the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 2014 was the worst year since 2008 for trucker’s work-related fatalities.
A total of around 725 heavy vehicle or tractor-trailer drivers died as a result of work-related injuries, with for-hire truck drivers accounting for 477 of the deaths.
Transportation was the most deadly industry last year with 28% of all work-related deaths occurring in transportation. The study also noted that across ALL industries, transportation incidents accounted for 40% of all work deaths.
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Source: gobytrucknews, overdrive
Richard says
Product of electronic logs telling drivers WHEN TO SLEEP.
My opinion
Jack Hennessee says
And this comes as a Surprise to WHO? Trucking industry has lowered the entry level requirements for employment, have so-called driver trainers with only months of experience! Companies still jerk drivers around like new day slaves. Driver pay has not kept up with driver demand, money is spent on upgrading equipment and not raising compensation for drivers. This is and has been a recipe for disaster and now the facts are proving this to be true! Who in their right mind would want to enter this industry under these existing conditions.
Bill says
Amen
R.Boan says
I completely agree,This industry needs an overhaul and it’s plain to see it will not come from the trucking companies or the drivers.They are trying to use a early 20th century (1930s) model to run the trucking industry.The hours of service are to long for drivers who are forced to perform like robots with no life outside the truck for 14 hours a day.
The medical studies have shown a human cannot function and concentrate for that long under those conditions and be anywhere near considered safe.The comparison is to somebody under the influence of alcohol.
The trucking industry wants younger drivers or illegal immigrants to keep the cost on drivers low and the drivers are brainwashed into believing the only way they can make a living is by driving like their hair is on fire for 16 hours a day.
Bill says
Amen to that. Have been out here on the road as a o/o and a company driver for over 40 years. I’v seen lots of changes in this industry but i think the most disturbing is the quality of drivers these big companies are putting out on the road. Peanuts for pay, unreal delivery times and lack of training is why the trucking industry has gotten such a bad image. The hooray for me and the hell with you attitude doesn’t help either. Truckers used to be a kind of brother hood where we all looked out for one another but not anymore. Be pushed beyond the limits it’s no wonder the trucking industry is so unsafe. I could go on and on but anyone reading this is probably living the nightmare.
vince says
I agree, I’ve been driving for 25 yrs. And fmcsa regulations have made things worse. Being on a 14 hr clock with no flexibility doesn’t allow the driver to perform the task at hand comfortably as every driver is working on their own schedule to meet deadlines.
They look at it like we’re all robots and it’s ridiculous! It’s forcing drivers to speed to beat the clock, too find parking, to fuel, to get loaded or unloaded etc…..when you fighting not only the 14 but the 10 hour off, it can make you or break you for meeting schedules. They just don’t understand what it’s like!
John Tennent says
Yep, to all comments. Been in 3 accidents (none my fault) in 5 years all while on ever so safe Elogs. Having to drive when Elogs say it safe to drive (u know when only the rds are busiest)all full of the insanely dumb drivers. 20 years 1 miner accident. On paper logs of course. Only going to get worst.
Matt says
The article doesn’t relate the percentage of increase as an overall number. Overall traffic deaths have increased 13 percent for the period. NHSTA is stumped as to the reasons for the increase. I believe it the overtaking of Americas hi ways by Zombie truck drivers. Yea, yea. It must be the truck drivers.
Roadghost says
How about telling us which carriers have the fewest fatalities? Give us the real hot-button information like union vs non-union transport companies. Highway vs city? Low turnover carriers vs high turnover? Just another reason NOT to be a truck driver. Want a good job? Don’t be a truck driver.