How Common Are Trucking Accidents in Ohio?

Trucking accidents in Ohio are responsible for more than 6,000 serious injuries and an estimated 200 deaths annually.

They are not more common than car accidents, but they are more likely to result in fatalities.

Truck accidents are known to increase in frequency on major roads and interstates. Ohio is home to 21 interstate highways. The I-71 in Columbus is known for being the deadliest highway in the state, where more fatal accidents happen per mile than anywhere else in Ohio.

Do Trucks Get in More Accidents Than Cars?

While trucks may be less likely to get in an accident than cars, they are more likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries when they do. Trucks are much larger than commuter vehicles and are often 20 times heavier (or more) than the automobiles around them on the road. 

In 2018, nearly one in 10 Ohio traffic accidents that resulted in a fatality involved a heavy truck. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than two-thirds of those deaths were passengers or drivers in the non-truck vehicles involved in those crashes.

Semi-trucks and their cargoes on interstate highways have the potential to be up to 80,000 pounds combined. In comparison, passenger vehicles weigh an average of 4,100 pounds.

This can have disastrous consequences for Ohio residents in smaller commuter vehicles, with the increased risk of fatality due to the sheer disparity in vehicle size.

The key determiner for trucks getting into more accidents than cars is negligence. A truck driver can be fully trained and experienced in their industry, but there can still be consequences for negligence on the road.

Common Causes of Ohio Trucking Accidents

 Some of the most common causes of Ohio trucking accidents we've seen include:

• Distracted driving
• Bad weather conditions
• Vehicle maintenance issues
• Unsafe road conditions
• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inexperienced drivers
• Following a car too closely
• Braking issues leading to things like jackknifing

Ohio houses the fourth largest interstate highway in the United States, making it a focal point for truck commerce simply because of convenience. The trucking industry manages nearly 80 percent of goods transported through Ohio, and this may further exacerbate the frequency of trucking accidents on our roads.

Staying Safe from Trucking Accidents

Many trucking accidents can be attributed to driver error, but there are preventative measures other motorists can take to be safer around trucks. Defensive tips to stay safe and prevent truck collisions include:

• Avoid driving in truck blind spots: Being in a truck's blind spot is the cause of many injuries on the road. If you can't see the driver's face within their side mirror, then they can't see you either. Avoid driving in a truck's blind spot and be aware of the range of road it covers.
• Keep your distance: Planning for additional distance when following a truck is best practice. You should also leave space when you are passing in front of a truck and only do so if you have plenty of room to pass. Cutting off large trucks can have disastrous consequences if they can't brake in time.
• Be aware when a truck is turning: Larger vehicles need a wide berth when they're turning, and the truck driver may have less visibility during this process. Leave as much room as you can on the road for trucks to turn to avoid potential collisions.
• Pass quickly: Passing a vehicle that takes up more of the road can be tricky, so only do it if you have ample space to do so. Lingering on the side of a semi-truck may put you at risk of being in their blind spot for too long, which is dangerous for smaller vehicles.

Truck Accident Attorneys Defending Ohio Drivers

Have you been injured in a trucking accident in Ohio? Are you now suffering as a result of the actions of a distracted or negligent driver? At the Buckeye Law Group, we believe in holding commercial drivers accountable for their actions on the road. Our experienced team of legal professionals can support you in filing a claim and help you gather evidence and develop a case to recover compensation for any injury, harm or damages. Call 1-800-411-PAIN for a free case evaluation today.