Fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses on the rise

South Carolina motorists should exercise caution when traveling near large vehicles. Data collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has revealed an increase in fatalities from crashes that involve large trucks or buses. In 2015, over 4,000 fatal wrecks of large trucks and buses occurred around the country, which represented an 8 percent rise from the previous year.

Although this figure is lower than the peak of fatal crashes reached in 2005, it represents a troubling turnaround from the drop in fatal crashes that occurred in subsequent years until 2009. During that period, the number dropped by 34 percent. From 2009 to 2015, however, the fatal accidents climbed by 20 percent. When breaking down sources of fatalities by vehicle type between 2005 and 2015, school buses accounted for 41 percent of deadly bus wrecks, and transit buses were involved in 33 percent of fatal bus accidents.

. Accidents that resulted only in injuries had gone down between 2005 and 2009 by 33 percent. The following years through 2015, however, showed a sharp 62 percent increase, mirroring the rise in lethal crashes during that same period.

Numerous issues contribute to big rig accidents such as truck driver fatigue, unqualified drivers and poor vehicle maintenance. Because of the overwhelming size and weight of big rigs, these accidents can result in catastrophic and sometimes fatal injuries to occupants of other vehicles. People who have been harmed in such an accident might want to meet with an attorney who can examine the evidence and pinpoint the party or parties that should be held financially responsible.