Fatal Truck Accident Rates Peak in the Autumn

Truck accidents can and do happen at any time throughout the year. There are, however, times of the year when these kinds of crashes are more likely to occur. Some recent reports, for instance, have revealed that the autumn months, particularly September through November, see some of the highest rates of truck accidents annually. This trend has been linked to a number of different factors, including everything from increasing harvest season deliveries and changes in the weather to more cars on the road because of holiday travel. Whatever the cause, truck accidents often have devastating consequences, leaving victims to struggle with painful and expensive injuries. Fortunately, accident victims can often recover compensation for their medical bills and other losses if they can prove that a truck driver or trucking company was responsible for their crash.

Harvest Season Deliveries 

Harvest season, for large parts of the country, starts around September and ends in late November or early December. This means that more trucks are needed during these months to ship produce across the country. Not only are there more commercial vehicles on the road, but many trucking companies force their drivers to try and meet much shorter deadlines at this time of the year, increasing the risk of driver fatigue. Furthermore, drivers are often forced to use rural roads, which are usually unlighted, lack clear signage, and may be in poor condition, all of which increase the chances of a truck accident.

Weather Conditions 

The autumn months also come with significant changes in the weather in Oklahoma, with colder temperatures much more widespread. Lowering temperatures are often accompanied by icy roads and fog, both of which make traveling a lot more dangerous for truck drivers.  It is also not uncommon for unexpected snowstorms in the autumn months, which can surprise road users who are not familiar with our state’s unpredictable weather patterns.

Holiday Travel 

Vehicle accidents are more likely to occur whenever there are more cars on the road. The autumn months, which start the holiday season in the U.S., see a significant increase in roadway congestion. This poses a very real danger to road users, especially for drivers who must share the road with large commercial vehicles. These trucks take a lot longer to come to a stop and cannot make the same evasive maneuvers as smaller vehicles. They also have much larger blind spots, further increasing their risk to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Those who are traveling for Thanksgiving or the winter holidays should be sure to use extra care when driving on Oklahoma’s busy roadways.

Reach Out to Our Dedicated Tulsa Trucking Accident Legal Team 

Unfortunately, even the most careful and conscientious of motorists could end up involved in a truck accident this autumn. If this happens to you, trust the experienced Tulsa trucking accident lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C. to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call us at 918-492-4433 or fill out one of our brief online contact forms to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.

Sources: 

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2021#A2

forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/truck-accident-statistics/