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.
