Fayette County was the scene of a recent fatal accident involving a large truck and a motorcycle. Though the details of the incident are sparse, police reports indicate that the accident occurred at US 62 and Cooke Yankeetown Road. One person died as a result of the accident but police have not yet identified the victim; in any event, this type of tragedy is something we see in the news all the time – and, as always, countless lives will be affected by the loss.
David Versus Goliath on the Highways
The large truck/motorcycle accident is one of the most deadly combinations of motor vehicle accidents, as it involves the largest and smallest vehicles on the roadways. Motorcyclists have the highest rates of fatalities when involved in accidents, and drivers of large trucks typically have the lowest fatality rates in crashes. It is no secret why this would be the case – the motorcyclist is virtually unprotected when involved in an accident – bad enough when involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, but when up against a large truck, the results are often disastrous. A newly released report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that, in nearly three-quarters of all fatal accidents that involved large (heavy) trucks in 2014, the victims were occupants of the other vehicle – and not the drivers of the large trucks. On a positive note, fatal accidents were down in 2014 from the year before by two percent, but during that same year, injuries sustained as a result of accidents involving large trucks increased about seventeen percent over the previous year.
Truck Driver Statistics
Though large trucks are involved in a notably high percentage of all fatal collisions, statistics regarding the drivers of the trucks themselves are interesting in that they show the truck drivers may be some of the safer drivers on the roadways. For example, the percentage of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were far less likely to be found to have been driving under the influence; from 2005 to 2014 the percentage of truck drivers driving over the legal limit with respect to alcohol ranged from approximately two percent, which drivers of cars, light trucks, and motorcycles during that same time frame ranged from 20 to 30 percent – with motorcyclists routinely found at the higher end of that range. Looking at other factors such as previous convictions for drunk driving and driver’s license suspensions or revocations, during 2014 the percentages for truck drivers were again found to be far lower than for other groups of drivers; this may be a result of more stringent requirements placed upon professional truck drivers as a condition of their employment as compared with the general public.
Motorcyclist Statistics – Some Surprises in the Data
Looking next at the statistics for motorcyclists fatally injured in accidents, there is some data that is surprising at first glance and other data that is just what one would expect to find. One piece of data that may surprise at first is that older motorcyclists are more often victims of fatal accidents than are younger drivers. Studies show that in 2014, motorcyclists who were 40 years of age or older accounted for 54 percent of motorcycle accident deaths. One would assume that younger drivers would more often be killed as a result of these accidents given their lesser level of driving experience and presumed higher level of risky behavior – but the facts show otherwise. One of the reasons for the higher percentage of deaths is the type of motorcycle typically ridden by older drivers – larger bikes are more prone to rollovers; another reason is that older drivers have worse vision, decreased reaction times, and increased fragility than younger drivers.
Motorcycle Driver Behaviors and Their Correlation to Crash Statistics
Motorcycle driver behavior also plays a huge role in crash statistics. For one, as noted above, 20 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal collisions were found to have blood alcohol concentrations higher than the legal limit in 2014. Additionally, nearly one third of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were driving over the speed limit – again, this is a substantially higher percentage than for other groups of drivers. Yet another factor is that more than twice as many motorcyclists were operating their vehicle without a license as compared to drivers of other types of vehicles.
Play It Safe
We can look at crash statistics all we want, but the fact remains that far too many people die as a result of accidents every year. All drivers need to be aware of others with whom they share the roads and the special circumstances that surround each. Observing safe driving practices and safety precautions, paying attention to the others on the road and adjusting your driving behavior accordingly, and knowing the limitations and vulnerabilities of other groups of drivers will go a long way towards decreasing accident injuries and deaths.
The Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Is Here To Help With Your Truck Accident Case
When you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident involving a large truck, dealing with the aftermath can become overwhelming. At times like these, you need to be able to turn to an experienced personal injury attorney to help you get the relief you deserve. The attorneys at the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers have the experience you can rely on to provide the highest quality legal representation available for all types of accident cases. Our dedicated Ohio auto accident injury professional staff and attorneys will work with you to determine how to best proceed with your case. If you have sustained injuries as the result of the accident, you are entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered. Do not wait to get started towards a full recovery for your losses – reach out to the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers today. Contact us now to schedule your initial consultation at no cost or obligation to you.
