Map shows the most dangerous US states for truck accidents

Since they generally weigh around 25 times more than an average car and require around 30 percent longer braking distances, trucks pose a particular danger on the road.

New research from law firm T. Madden & Associates, PC has determined the best and worst states for truck accidents – which ones Newsweek has plotted in the interactive map below.

Truck accident data comes from various official reports from U.S. states, the University of California, Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

In total, 170,716 serious truck accidents were reported in the United States last year alone, resulting in 86,842 injuries and 5,078 deaths.

The worst state was Wyoming, with about 181 serious truck accidents, 60 injuries and 6 deaths per 100,000 residents.

“Smooth ice, gusts of wind and reduced visibility cause deadly chaos on our roads every winter,” said T. Madden & Associates PC owner and managing partner Terance Madden Newsweek.

“The alarming number of fatal truck accidents in Wyoming is a wake-up call for both the trucking industry and state regulators.

“It is vital that we implement stricter safety measures and ensure drivers receive adequate training to prevent these tragic accidents.”

“The statistics are not just numbers. They represent lives lost and families destroyed. It is imperative that we address the root causes of these fatal crashes – from winter weather to driver fatigue to vehicle maintenance – to create safer highways in Wyoming.”

To help drivers avoid an accident when sharing the road with a truck, the law firm has put together six key pieces of advice.

This includes staying alert and focused; Be careful when trucks turn as they take up a lot of space and may swing in one direction before eventually turning the other way. keep a greater distance than for smaller road users; the use of indicators and headlights where appropriate; and pass safely with plenty of space.

Finally, drivers are advised to be aware that trucks have large blind spots. Remember: If you can’t see the truck driver in the side mirror, he can’t see you either.

“No one can be completely certain that they will never be involved in a serious truck accident,” the attorneys wrote on their website.

“But if drivers in every state follow these tips, they can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and provide a safer driving experience for all road users.”

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