Eyes on The Road: Prioritizing Safety to Reduce Fatal Accidents in Commercial Trucking

When the Winton Motor Carriage Company introduced the inaugural trailer truck model in 1899, it marked the inception of the United States trucking industry by transforming a car into a tractor through the addition of a small trailer. In the same year, Autocar sold the nation’s first commercial truck, giving a choice of five or eight horsepower and a payload capacity of 700 pounds.

Fast forward to 2025, where a typical 18-wheel tractor weighs around five tons, is powered by 400 and 600 horsepower and can carry payloads exceeding 25 tons.

As commercial trucking capacity has grown, the industry has become a vital part of the U.S. economy. According to the American Trucking Association, the industry generated nearly $1 trillion in revenue and employed 3.55 million drivers in 2023. Additionally, the commercial trucking industry transported nearly three-quarters of the nation’s freight by weight in 2022.

As a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, the commercial trucking industry bears the responsibility of feeding, clothing and employing consumers across the country. This responsibility means that challenges within the industry, such as talent shortages, gaps in safety and an increase in fatal accidents have a notable impact.

Sobering Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the U.S. The latest CDC statistics show deaths from crashes in 2022 resulted in more than $470 billion in total costs. With so many drivers, trucks, cargo tons carried and miles logged, it is not a question of if fatal accidents will happen, but when.

According to the National Safety Council, large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled in 2023. In that same year, 5,375 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 8.4% decrease from 2022, but a whopping 43% increase over the last decade. The NSC also reported the involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 8% from 2022, but up 22% over 2013 figures.

Regardless of the statistics, just one fatal accident is one too many. So, what’s been the catalyst for these fatal accidents involving large trucks? While Across America Insurance Services is seeing fewer claims filed this year, several factors continue to drive severe and fatal accidents.

Truck drivers are working longer hours. The Department of Transportation’s “70-hour rule” puts strict limits on the hours of service for truck drivers, stating commercial vehicle drivers may not drive for upwards of 70 hours over eight consecutive days. Still, these guidelines aren’t always followed, which can lead to increased fatigue, distractions and even substance abuse.

Despite the large number of commercial drivers, there is a nationwide shortage of these operators, which has led to an increase in newer, less experienced and undertrained drivers on our roads. There is also the misuse of technology. While transportation management systems, global positioning systems and electronic logging devices enable real-time tracking, route optimization and compliance with hours-of-service regulations, they are only as effective as the drivers or companies using them. Finally, distracted driving and fatigue are among the top causes for commercial truck crashes, with distracted driving leading to 3,275 deaths and drowsy driving leading to 633 deaths in 2023 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Safety is Job One

Crafting a well-defined and thorough safety policy is essential for instilling a safety-first culture within a trucking company. This policy is best suited to act as the foundation for all operations and serve as an overall strategy for ensuring road safety. It must also reflect management’s dedication to safeguarding their drivers, fellow motorists, pedestrians and the fleet itself. A key focus should be on thorough and comprehensive driver training. As drivers age out and retire, new drivers are entering the ranks. As organizations look to fill talent gaps quickly, they may lighten the training requirements for a role, putting these drivers at risk for increased accidents.

The rise in fatal truck accidents over the last 10 years illustrates the critical need for extensive training to develop skilled drivers and promote road safety. The process begins with the careful selection of candidates who demonstrate not only the necessary driving abilities but also the patience and focus the job demands. This selection process should always include extensive background checks for traffic violations or marks against a driver’s license.

Overall, the effectiveness of any safety policy is measured not just by its initial design but also by its ongoing development through a model of constant improvement. A policy that remains unchanged will not keep pace with evolving circumstances—such as new technologies, updated regulations, or emerging industry trends—ultimately becoming ineffective or outdated.

A regular review and revision process is key to ensure any safety program stays relevant and effective. Each element should work toward a unified goal: minimizing risks for truck drivers and protecting the lives of every type of public road user.

Technology

Today, technology is an integral game-changer for the trucking industry, not only for driver safety but also for company-focused forecasting, planning and other strategic initiatives and administrative tasks. Advances such as 5G trucking connectivity for enhanced navigation, real-time load tracking and better communication with dispatchers have helped modernize the industry. Smart trailers that can provide predictive maintenance and advanced safety features are also helping commercial truck drivers adapt and evolve to new best practices and safety measures.

Additionally, artificial intelligence has optimized logistics, improved efficiencies and helped raise safety standards. These and other advanced technologies, including telematics, digital freight marketplaces, dashcams and rear-facing cameras will continue to evolve and serve as table stakes for companies looking to stay competitive.

However, new and evolving technology is only as useful as the organizations implementing it. Not only do insurance and trucking organizations need to invest in the technologies making a difference in the industry, but they need to use those technologies and take action on the data provided. For example, trucking carriers can use telematics, dashcams and rear-facing cameras to track driver behavior and identify issues such as distracted or drowsy driving. The information provided from this technology will only be impactful, however, if trucking carriers act on the information provided and discipline or replace bad actors. All these leading technologies should also be integrated into any driver training program, whether during onboarding or in regularly scheduled refresher programs.

It’s vital that both management and drivers remain as current and familiar as possible as new or updated versions of technology-driven products and programs are rolled out.

We recognize the commercial trucking industry has a crucial safety problem—one that is causing claims issues for insurers. To avoid an ongoing problem and maintain manageable claims, the industry must step back and take a critical look at itself. By identifying safety gaps, implementing training procedures and protocols that prioritize a culture of safety, and leaning into available resources such as technology, commercial trucking companies can protect drivers and minimize claims, returning the industry to a seat of success.

Kapur is CEO of Across America Insurance Services, a specialized wholesale insurance agent serving the commercial trucking and transportation industry.