Truck-involved crash fatalities declining, NHTSA reports

White truck rear ends a SUV

A recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) projects total estimated fatalities in crashes involving large trucks were on the decline through the first half of 2024.

NHTSA defines large trucks as those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 lb., and include both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.

Overall, NHTSA reported that an estimated 18,720 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the first half of 2024, a decrease of about 3.2% as compared to 19,330 fatalities projected to have occurred in the first half of 2023. The estimated fatality rate for the first half of 2024 is 1.17 fatalities per 100 million VMT, down from the projected rate of 1.21 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first half of 2023.

On a category basis, NHTSA found decreases almost across the board. Fatalities on rural interstates were mostly flat in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023, while urban interstate fatalities were down 8%. Fatalities in crashes occurring at night were down 4%, as were fatalities in crashes occurring on weekends.

NHTSA reports statistics involving large trucks were as follows:

  • Total estimated driver fatalities decreased by 3%
  • Total estimated passenger fatalities decreased by 7%
  • Total estimated passenger vehicle occupant fatalities decreased by 6%
  • Total estimated motorcyclist fatalities increased by 1%
  • Total estimated pedestrian fatalities decreased by 3%
  • Total estimated pedalcyclist fatalities decreased by 1%
  • Total estimated fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck decreased by 1%

In total, there were an estimated 2,523 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks in the first half of 2024, down from 2,561 in the first half of 2023, NHTSA adds.

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