The FMCSA’s upcoming national study will dig deeper into why these tragedies happen
One would assume that determining the cause of truck crashes wouldn’t be that hard. In the age of the internet and fast-paced data transmission, it’s easy to think there’s a database out there with all the answers. That would be wrong. At best, we have a handful of studies (some nearly two decades old) that paint a murky picture. The deeper you dig, the more complicated it gets.
A popular statistic often gets thrown around: truckers aren’t at fault in 75 to 80 percent of crashes. That part is true, but it’s frequently misquoted. You’ll often hear that passenger vehicles cause 75 to 80 percent of truck crashes, which isn’t accurate. On top of that, crashes don’t just involve cars and trucks. Weather events, poorly designed roads, and even animal strikes can all contribute to crashes. All of these add layers of complication before investigators even get to the human side of things.
What role does human error play?
Even with the best forms and technology, humans still make mistakes. An investigator might be rushing, new on the job, or simply hit the wrong option on a drop-down menu. Those small errors, multiplied across thousands of crash reports, can create big inconsistencies in the overall picture. Here are some of the most common causes of crashes involving large trucks:
- Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel are a common reality in the trucking industry. Even with Hours-of-Service limits, drivers can push themselves too far or feel pressured by tight delivery schedules. Fatigue slows reaction times, clouds judgment, and can even lead to “microsleep,” where a driver nods off for a few seconds without realizing it. On a highway, a few seconds is all it takes for disaster.
- Distraction: Distraction isn’t just about texting. A trucker might glance at a GPS, adjust the radio, eat while driving, or even become lost in thought. Because trucks take so long to stop, a momentary lapse in attention can quickly spiral into a rear-end crash or a lane departure.
- Speeding or misjudging speed: Driving too fast for conditions (or misjudging the speed of other vehicles) is another common error. Trucks need much more stopping distance than passenger cars. If a driver underestimates how fast traffic ahead is slowing, or overestimates their own stopping ability, the result can be a high-impact collision.
- Inexperience: New drivers may not yet have the instincts or muscle memory that experienced truckers rely on. They might take turns too sharply, miscalculate blind spots, or struggle with braking on steep grades. Training helps, but real-world experience often makes the difference.
- Poor decision-making: Sometimes it’s about split-second judgment. A driver might miscalculate when merging, fail to yield, or assume another vehicle will stop. Errors like these are magnified with trucks, given their massive size and weight.
- Medical conditions or impairment: A driver suffering from untreated sleep apnea, diabetes, or another health issue may be more prone to fatigue or sudden medical emergencies. And although truckers face strict alcohol and drug testing, impairment still plays a role in some crashes.
Didn’t the FMCSA already study truck crashes?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released the Large Truck Crash Causation Study back in 2006. It was supposed to be the big answer to the question of what causes truck crashes. Instead, it raised more questions. The biggest issue is that the study leaned on a statistical definition of “cause.” Instead of focusing on fault, it concentrated on collision avoidance and “critical events” that occurred before the crash.
What’s different about the upcoming study?
This time around, FMCSA seems to be listening. In a recent Federal Register notice, the agency outlined plans for a new study that addresses many of the old shortcomings. One of the most significant improvements is the establishment of a centralized collection system, which features a single, standardized incident form for all heavy-duty truck crashes. FMCSA also plans to include police crash reports, detailed post-crash investigations, and even reconstructions. This broader scope should give researchers a much clearer picture.
Another promising sign is the level of industry involvement. Groups like the OOIDA Foundation have been asked for input, something that hasn’t always been the case. That collaboration could help ensure the study reflects real-world trucking conditions instead of abstract data points.
Importantly, it appears that this new effort will avoid relying on confusing statistical definitions of “cause.” Instead, the focus appears to be on practical, actionable information. Government studies move slowly, and this one is no exception. The study isn’t set to begin until 2026. After that, it will take two years to complete, plus more time for analysis and publication. That means truckers, researchers, and the public are still years away from getting fresh answers.
Get the help you need after a truck accident in South Carolina
At Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law, we’ve seen how trucking companies and insurers try to hide behind data and delay claims, but we never let that stand in the way of our clients’ recovery. If you or someone you love was injured, we’re here to fight for accountability and results.
When a truck accident turns your world upside down, you need more than a lawyer who files paperwork. You need a team that treats your case like it matters. Our law firm has built a reputation for standing up to trucking companies and fighting for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We know Lexington, Columbia, and communities across South Carolina because we were born and raised here.
We offer a free consultation where you can sit down with an attorney, ask your questions, and get clear on your legal options without pressure. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t owe us a thing unless we win your case. That means zero upfront cost, no hourly billing surprises; just a commitment to results.
Don’t wait for the trucking company to build its defense. Contact us online or call to schedule your consultation today. Whether you were hurt on I-20, US-1, US-378, or a back road in Lexington County, we’re ready to step in and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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