The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) had some good news and some bad news in their annual report of United States traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities. While there were fewer car accident deaths last year than in any year since 1949, the number of fatal commercial truck accidents in America soared 8.7 percent in 2010.
Last year, 3,675 people died in accidents involving commercial trucks. The trucking industry responded to the numbers by questioning the cause for the rise in these big rig accident numbers – and added that the poor economy in 2008 and 2009 meant fewer big rigs were on the roads. In addition, they wanted more data and information about the accidents, including whether drivers of passenger vehicles or the truckers themselves were responsible for more wrecks.
Traffic safety advocates responded to the numbers by once again stressing the need for new federal trucking regulations. Currently, proposed new Hours of Service regulations are being considered by the Senate, and many believe that having fewer tired and distracted truckers on the road will help reduce the number of deadly tractor-trailer accidents.
Has your life been affected by a fatal Virginia commercial truck accident? Or have you been seriously injured in a VA big rig crash? It is important for you to know what caused the crash and who is responsible for its consequences. Speak to an experienced truck accident attorney at our Hampton law offices today to learn more about your case.