2021 Trucking Accident Statistics in the US

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released its 2021 Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report, offering detailed insights into trucking-related crashes across the United States. Below, we break down the key findings from this important safety report and what it reveals about the current state of highway safety involving large trucks and buses.

Key Statistics from the 2021 Report

According to the FMCSA:

• Fatal Crashes: 5,904 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in 2021. This represents an 18% increase from 2020.
• Injury Crashes: 119,000 injury crashes involving large trucks and buses occurred in 2021. This marks a 6% increase from 2016.
• Property Damage Crashes: 401,000 crashes involving only property damage were reported in 2021. This is a 25% increase from the previous year.

Trends Over Time

• From 2005 to 2009, fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses decreased by 34%.
• However, between 2010 and 2021, fatal crashes rose by 52%.
• Injury crashes dropped to 60,000 in 2009 (from 102,000 in 2002), but by 2015, the number had risen again to 97,000. Since 2016, that number has continued to increase, reaching 119,000 in 2021.

Crash Locations and Conditions

• Rural Roads: 54% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas.
• Interstate Highways: 26% occurred on Interstate highways.
• Time of Day: 37% of fatal crashes occurred at night between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• Weekday Crashes: 83% of both fatal and nonfatal crashes happened on weekdays (Monday through Friday).

Human Factors and Driver Data

• Among the 5,634 large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021:
  • 7% were 25 years of age or younger.
  • 7% were 66 years or older.
• Seat Belt Use: 15% of large truck occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt. Among them, 40% died in the crash.
• Drug Testing: 6% of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. However, 62% of the drivers were not tested.

Vehicle Data and Types

• Vehicle Configuration:
  • 54% were single-trailer trucks.
  • 2% were double-trailer trucks.
• Hazardous Materials:
  • Present in 3% of fatal crash-involved large trucks.
  • Flammable liquids accounted for 42% of hazmat releases in fatal crashes.
• Mechanical Failures:
  • Vehicle-related factors were cited in 4% of truck-involved fatal crashes. Tire and brake system failures were the most common, and in some cases, these issues contribute to more complex incidents such as runaway load accidents, which often occur when cargo shifts or braking systems malfunction.

Conclusion

The FMCSA’s 2021 data highlights a concerning rise in crashes involving large trucks and buses. As commercial freight continues to grow, it is critical for both the trucking industry and regulatory bodies to address safety risks through training, technology, and stricter compliance enforcement.

For more detailed data, you can access the full FMCSA report here: Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2021 – FMCSA

If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident, it’s important to know your legal rights and options. An experienced advocate can help you pursue justice and compensation. Speak with a trusted truck accident lawyer in Fort Collins today to protect your interests and get the support you need.