A new study of large truck crash data shows that the number of crashes involving smaller commercial vehicles and intrastate motor carriers is increasing at a faster rate than crashes involving larger trucks and interstate motor carriers.
An American Transportation Research Institute analysis found that from 2000 to 2010, Classes 3-6 medium-duty trucks — which weigh between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, typically operate in urban areas and do not require commercial licenses to operate — saw an increase of 38.3% in their crash rate index.
In contrast, Classes 7-8 trucks, which typically operate over the road, saw a decrease of 24.6%, the ATRI study said.
Truck crash statistics published by the federal government currently do no distinguish between medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks.
American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves said that blending medium-duty crash statistics with heavy-duty crash statistics “may unfairly drag down the safety gains made by heavy-duty truck fleets.”
“Clearly one-size solutions do not fit all scenarios,” Graves said in a statement.
Study authors Lisa Park and David Pierce said large truck crash statistics understate the safety improvements among heavy-duty truck operators and conceal declines in medium-duty truck safety.
Keith Klein, chief operating officer of Transport America, Eagan, Minn., said the research “will enhance our industry’s ability to customize safety solutions.”
To request a copy of the study, click here to visit ATRI’s website, www.atri-online.org.
