The recently released data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that truck crash deaths increased from 4,945 in 2020 to 5,788 in 2021, marking a staggering 17 percent increase in fatalities.

Of particular concern is the fact that 1,008 of the total truck crash deaths in 2021 were truck occupants themselves. This represents the highest number of truck occupant deaths in 15 years, indicating a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The safety of truck drivers is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the overall safety of other road users.

In addition to the high number of fatalities, the NHTSA data reveals that there were 154,993 truck crash injuries reported in 2021. These numbers are alarming and highlight the urgent need to promote policies that improve truck safety. It is imperative that policymakers, trucking companies, and other stakeholders,
including survivors and families of truck crash victims, work together to implement measures that promote safe driving practices and vehicle maintenance.

To download a fact sheet on the 2021 truck crash fatalities data, please visit the Institute
for Safer Trucking website.