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According to statistics FMCSA, as of September 2025, there have been 2,511 fatal truck accidents reported.
In the United States, approximately 388,000 truck accidents are recorded each year, representing about 6.5% of all reported vehicle collisions. So far in 2025, numerous truck-related accidents have been documented, many of them fatal. Although various studies indicate a gradual decrease in the overall number of these incidents, safety and prevention measures remain insufficient.
However, there is a silent epidemic that directly affects drivers and significantly contributes to these accidents: fatigue. Studies have shown that staying awake for 18 consecutive hours can impair driving ability as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. Truck drivers often work up to 14-hour shifts, with limited rest and under high stress levels, leading to mental fatigue that reduces their ability to react to road hazards.
Main causes of truck accidents
According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as of September 2025, there have been 2,511 fatal truck accidents reported with 869 in the first quarter, 815 in the second, and 583 in the third. This represents an average of 250 deaths per month attributed to road freight transport.
The most affected states are Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Oregon, with the Southern region accounting for 37% of all recorded accidents. While there are multiple factors contributing to the total number of crashes, driver fatigue ranks as the second most common cause. Based on the collected data, the main causes of truck accidents are as follows:
- Speeding / Loss of control – 29%
- Driver fatigue – 22%
- Distraction – 16%
- Intoxication – 9%
- Mechanical failure – 8%
- Adverse weather – 7%
Additionally, FMCSA statistics show that trucks were responsible for roughly 55% of all collisions involving other vehicles. Of these, truck driver errors accounted for about 87% of crashes, truck or trailer issues represented 10%, and environmental conditions made up the remainder.
The year 2025 has seen a slight increase in fatalities related to truck accidents. The causes are predominantly human, fatigue, distraction, and speeding, underscoring the need for both the transport industry and the government to take responsibility for this growing issue by implementing more effective regulations to ensure greater safety and control on the nation’s roads.
Fatigue, reckless driving, and lack of regulation: the hidden causes behind truck accidents
While fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents each year, a direct consequence of the lack of strict regulations regarding the mandatory rest hours drivers must take, the other contributing factors fall under what the industry defines as “reckless driving.”
Reckless driving has shown a steady increase in recent years across the transportation sector. This behavior includes speeding, distracted driving (such as using mobile devices), eating or drinking while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In recent months, organizations such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have urged authorities to implement stricter measures in the training, evaluation, and supervision of truck drivers. From the acquisition of a commercial driver’s license to weekly or annual inspections, these associations argue that the industry must enforce tougher standards to promote safer and more responsible driving practices.
The failure to enforce regulations with consistency and rigor has had direct consequences, reflected in the rise of truck-related accidents. To improve this situation, it is essential that drivers receive proper support and training, adopt safe driving techniques, respect mandatory rest periods, and face appropriate penalties when violating established regulations.
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