Washington, D.C. — The Truck Safety Coalition and several members of Congress issued a joint appeal today for swift policy changes following the release of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Deadliest Truck Crash States” report, which ranks states by truck crash deaths per 100,000 residents. The 2020 data, the most recent available, shows large truck fatalities jumped 13 percent from the previous year, totaling 5,600 deaths, and that more than 146,000 people were injured in truck crashes annually. Since 2009, the death toll has risen 66 percent, a trend lawmakers say has been ignored for too long.
The report, produced by NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, highlights a growing public‑health crisis on the nation’s highways. The NHTSA’s own numbers confirm that truck crashes cost taxpayers an estimated $180 billion in lost productivity, medical care, and property damage. The coalition’s briefing in Washington, D.C., urged federal leaders to recognize the cost of inaction and to enact measures that will protect drivers, families, and communities across the country.
Chair of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Eleanor Holmes‑Norton (D‑DC), said the roadway safety crisis “does not receive the attention it deserves” and pledged to keep truck safety at the top of her agenda. Senator Kirstin Gillibrand (D‑NY) added that she will continue to push for stronger underride protection, noting her long‑standing battle against dangerous underride crashes. Joan Claybrook, former NHTSA administrator and current CRASH Board chair, warned that the 66 percent rise in fatalities has turned the large truck sector into an “unattended and ignored public health crisis.” She called for mandatory rear and side underride guards, Automatic Emergency Braking and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems on all CMVs, and the immediate termination of the teen trucking pilot program. The coalition’s call also urged Secretary Buttigieg and Congress to adopt these proven, low‑cost technologies.
What This Means for Drivers
Owners and operators will face new equipment mandates that require retrofitting existing trucks with underride guards and installing AEB or ADAS systems, potentially adding $10,000 to $15,000 per vehicle. CDL‑A holders will need to complete additional training on the operation of these systems to maintain their licenses. Fleet managers will have to budget for the upfront costs while ensuring compliance with upcoming federal regulations, which could affect route planning and delivery schedules.
Industry Reaction
While the report’s findings have spurred debate across the trucking community, carriers are divided over the financial impact of mandatory upgrades. Some argue that the long‑term safety benefits will reduce insurance premiums and accident liability, whereas others fear that the rapid implementation of new technology could strain smaller fleets and owner‑operators. Nevertheless, most industry groups acknowledge that improving rear‑end safety is essential for protecting drivers and the public.
Key Points
- Large truck fatalities rose 13% in 2020, reaching 5,600 deaths.
- Truck crash injuries top 146,000 annually, with a 66% rise in fatalities since 2009.
- Proposed solutions include mandatory underride guards, AEB, and ADAS for all CMVs.
- The teen trucking pilot program is slated for immediate termination.
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