Preliminary Report Shows Downturn in ’06 Large-Truck Crash Fatalities

Preliminary data released by the Department of Transportation show that fatalities from large truck crashes declined 3.7% last year compared with 2005.

DOT issued the preliminary report Friday, which showed fatalities from large-truck crashes fell to 5,018 last year, from 5,212 in 2005.

Overall traffic fatalities fell to 43,300 last year from 43,433 in 2005, DOT said.

The report also showed a decline in the fatality rate to 1.44 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, from 1.45 in 2005.

DOT said the projections based on partial data and are likely to change when finalized.

Click here for the entire 28-page preliminary report (PDF file).