According to Missouri transportation officials, Missouri fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles and trucks have dropped 50 percent in the last five years, according to KansasCity.com.
In 2005, Missouri had 173 accidents involving commercial vehicles that resulted in fatal injuries to at least one vehicle occupant. By 2009, that number decreased to 88 accidents. The number of deaths resulting from accidents involving commercial vehicles also dropped – from 205 deaths in 2005 to 89 in 2009.
Officials cite four reasons for the decrease in Missouri commercial truck accidents. First, there have been fewer crossover accidents on divided highways. Also, “rumble strips” have been installed on many Missouri highways, which help drivers to stay within their lanes. Emergency response times have improved in both St. Louis and Kansas City. Finally, officials say that fewer commercial vehicles, as well as passenger vehicles, are on the roads due to the economy.
Although Missouri wrongful death truck accidents are declining, still far too many people are injured or killed each year from commercial truck crashes. Statistics show that large trucks are much more likely to be involved in a fatal multi-car vehicle collision than a passenger car. Two reasons for this are size and speed of the vehicle – about 27 percent of all commercial truck drivers involved in a fatal crash had at least one prior speeding conviction.
Have you been injured in a Missouri accident that involved a commercial truck? If so, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries from the trucking company. Contact the St. Louis trucking accident attorneys at Page Law for a free consultation on your case at 314-322-8515 today.
Hannibal, Missouri resident Hank Thomas was honored recently by the Missouri Trucking Association for breaking a state record: he has driven his tractor-trailer four million miles without a single accident. He was also honored by the Missouri state Senate in April 2010 and the state House of Representatives in May 2010 for his accomplishment, according to a recent article in the Hannibal Courier-Post.
Mr. Thomas’s advice for truckers wishing to challenge his record is simple. Pay attention to the road, the other cars, and your own driving. Get plenty of rest. Don’t talk on a cell phone while driving. Don’t tailgate the vehicle in front of you or speed.
Mr. Thomas began driving trucks at the age of 15, when he drove on his parents’ farm. He began driving tractor-trailers in 1966 and has driven trucks for McNay Truckline of Quincy, Illinois for 29 years. He has also driven trucks for Gully, Recycled Paper Co., and Brown Trucking, also of Hannibal, Missouri. McNay Truckline has been his employer for the longest period of time. The company listens to his concerns as a driver and keeps his equipment in excellent condition, which contributes to Mr. Thomas’s ability to drive safely.
A host of good driving skills, a good team of mechanics, and an employer that cares about the safe driving of its employees have all contributed to Mr. Thomas’s accomplishment. Unfortunately, many truck accidents in Missouri and throughout the U.S. continue to occur each year when truck drivers break one of Mr. Thomas’s recommended driving rules – and possibly break state or federal law as well.
If you have been injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer and you believe the truck driver’s negligence is to blame, please don’t hesitate to call Page Law. Our experienced Missouri truck driver negligence lawyers will examine the details of your case and protect your legal rights. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 to schedule a free case evaluation.
