Deaths in trucking reach 6-year high

Sept. 22, 2015
Truck driver fatalities in 2014 hit their highest total in six years, according to preliminary data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Truck driver fatalities in 2014 hit their highest total in six years, according to preliminary data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, a preliminary total of 4,679 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States last year, an increase of 2% over the revised count of 4,585 fatal work injuries in 2013.

In 2014, fatal work injuries due to transportation incidents were slightly higher from the year before and accounted for 40% of fatal workplace injuries (see slide 2, above). Within the transportation event category, roadway incidents constituted 57% of the fatal work injury total in 2014 (slide 3).

(BLS noted that roadway incident counts are expected to rise when updated 2014 data is released in the late spring of 2016 because key source documentation detailing specific transportation-related incidents has not yet been received.)

Transportation and material moving occupations accounted for the largest share (28%) of fatal occupational injuries of any occupation group. Fatal work injuries in this group rose 3% to 1,289 in 2014, the highest total since 2008, the report said. (Slide 4)

Drivers/sales workers and truck drivers (slide 1) accounted for nearly 2 out of every 3 fatal injuries in this group (835 of the 1,289 fatal injuries in 2014). In this group, drivers/sales workers increased 74% to 54, and heavy and tractor-trailer drivers had their highest total since 2008, with 725 fatalities in 2014.

Additionally, among contracted workers who were employed outside the construction and extraction occupation group, the largest number of fatal occupational injuries was incurred by heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, at 76. That’s not as high as the number of contracted day laborers killed on the job (108), but for comparison 48 electricians and 42 roofers suffered fatal accidents in 2014.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...

How to Maximize Fleet Management with Vehicle Bypass

Watch now to learn how truck weigh station bypass systems boost fleet performance and driver satisfaction.

Optimizing your fleet safety program using AI

Learn how AI supports fleet safety programs with tools for compliance monitoring, driver coaching and incident analysis to reduce risks and improve efficiency.