To address how many accidents are caused by semi trucks, it is important to note that a majority of these crashes are brought on by drivers of the passenger car. These type of fatal crashes account for 12.4% of all fatal accidents nationwide. The most common reasons for these types crashes include speeding, driver distraction, failing to yield, and improper lane use.
Fatal accidents caused by semi trucks nationwide
Of the 35,766 fatal motor vehicles crashes that occurred nationwide in 2020, 4,444 of them were accidents caused by semi-trucks. Those fatal truck crashes resulted in 4,965 deaths.
Michigan fatal tractor trailer crash statistics
There were 105 tractor trailers involved in the 1,053 fatal motor vehicle crashes that occurred in Michigan in 2022. Those fatal crashes resulted in 105 people being killed.
Michigan injury accidents caused by semi trucks
There were 2,759 tractor trailers involved in the 51,066 personal injury-related motor vehicle crashes that occurred in Michigan in 2022. Those personal injury crashes resulted in 3,632 people being injured.
What is the fatality rate for accidents caused by semi trucks?
The fatality rate for tractor trailer-involved crashes nationwide in 2020 was 22% higher than the overall fatality rate for all motor vehicle crashes. In Michigan in 2022, the fatality rate for tractor trailer-involved crashes was more than 28% higher than the overall fatality rate for all motor vehicle crashes.
In 2020, the national fatality rate for tractor trailer-involved fatal crashes was 1.64 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by large trucks, whereas the overall fatality rate for all fatal crashes was 1.34 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles.
In 2022 in Michigan, the fatal crash rate for tractor trailers was 1.5 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled compared to the overall fatal crash rate of 1.171 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
General causes
The general causes of semi truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Improper maintenance
- Defective equipment
- Careless/reckless driving
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Speeding
- Violation of trucking laws and regulations
- Driver inexperience
- Improper loading
Most common contributing factors to fatal tractor trailer crashes nationwide
The most common “driver-related factor” in fatal accidents caused by semi trucks were:
- Speeding of any kind
- Distraction/Inattention
- Failure to yield right of way
- Impairment
- Careless driving
- Failure to keep in proper lane
Most common contributing factors to tractor trailer crashes in Michigan
The following were the top driving behaviors that contributed to tractor trailer crashes in Michigan in 2022:
- Unable to stop in an assured clear distance: 1,502 drivers in all crashes; 5 in fatal crashes; and 353 in injury crashes
- Failing to yield and disregarding traffic control signals: 1,173 drivers in all crashes; 8 in fatal crashes; and 296 in injury crashes
- Speeding: 759 drivers in all crashes; 1 in fatal crashes; and 167 in injury crashes
- Improper lane use: 907 drivers in all crashes; 2 in fatal crashes; and 84 in injury crashes
- Careless/negligent driving: 341 drivers in all crashes; 2 in fatal crashes; and 56 in injury crashes
Need help finding the right lawyer? Call Michigan Auto Law first
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a semi truck and would like to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, call toll free anytime 24/7 at (248) 353-7575 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You can also get help from an experienced accident attorney by visiting our contact page or you can use the chat feature on our website.
(Sources: Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2020 U.S.DOT, FMCSA-Analysis Division (Published September 2022), Trends Table 4. Large Truck Fatal Crash Statistics, 1975-2020; Trends Table 6. All Motor Vehicle Fatal Crash Statistics, 1975-2020; People Table 29. Drivers of Large Trucks in Fatal Crashes by Driver-Related Factors and Violations Recorded, 2018-2020; Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, Statewide, 2022, Vehicle/Driver, Heavy Truck, Heavy Truck/Bus Involved Crashes, “Hazardous Action”; Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, Fact Sheets, 2022, “Heavy Trucks/Buses”; Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, “2022 Quick Facts”)
