(MENAFNEditorial)
JENKINTOWN, Pa., April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --In the United States, about 1 in 10 highway deaths occurs in a crash involving a large truck. According to data recently collected from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pennsylvania drivers are far from immune to collisions involving big commercial vehicles.
"Because of their massive sizes and heavy weights, they are more likely to cause serious damage and even death," stated attorney and Keep Highways Safe founder, Jay Solnick. "Wrecks particularly involving semis are more common than you think, and our goal of this report is to remind people of this, so they can be more cautious behind the wheel. Vigilance is critical."
Top 25 Most Dangerous Trucking Companies in Pennsylvania, Sorted by Number of Injuries (Left) and Fatalities (Right) From 2015 to 2017, KHS's research shows that there were 381 fatalities and 7,728 injuries in Pennsylvania involving commercial trucks. The vast majority of primary factors in heavy truck vehicle failure crashes were related to tires and wheels, brakes, and unsecured or overloaded trailers, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. According to KHS, 64 percent of the trucking companies on the list ranked in the top 25 for not only the highest number of injuries but also for fatalities.
"In more cases than not, human error and failure to fully comply with FMCSA guidelines and regulations lead to deadly consequences on America's roadways," stated Solnick. "The truth is most large truck accidents can easily be avoided by commercial drivers practicing good judgment and following federal rules. Fortunately, most drivers do the right thing and are responsible, but there are a few bad apples in every profession."
According to FMCSA, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) leads the way in the number of traffic-related injuries occurring in "The Keystone State." Over a two-year period, accidents involving the company resulted in 478 injuries. FedEx Ground Package System Inc. follows in second with 114 traffic-related injuries. New Prime Inc. comes in third with 104 traffic-related injuries. Twenty-three other companies were involved in 65 accidents or less over a two-year period.
Both FedEx Ground Package System Inc. and CLJ Trucking Inc. tied for having the highest number of traffic fatalities at 5 each over a two-year-period. SEPTA, XPO Logistics Freight Inc., and Greatwide Dedicated Transport I LLC came in third with four fatalities over a two-year period. The remaining 23 companies had three or less fatalities over a two-year period. To see how other trucking companies compared, view the table.
For every 100 million miles driven on U.S. road ways, there are 2.3 deaths and 60.5 injuries caused by big rigs. Fatal tractor-trailer accidents cost taxpayers more than $20 billion each year, $13.1 billion of which is the cost associated with loss of quality of life.
Surprisingly, despite being involved in hundreds of crashes across the United States, some trucking companies remain in operation. Take Swift Transportation, for example. On KHS, it ranks in the top ten. Over a two-year-period, the trucking company has been responsible for three fatalities and 58 injuries in the state. Most recently, the company was involved in a separate fatal wreck in Ohio in February. Troopers stated that the semi's speed was a possible factor. Nationwide, Swift Transportation has been involved in more than 650 crashes. Sixty-five of those were fatal. A Safety Measurement System report also revealed the company has roughly 40,000 inspections and 31 percent included violations.
"These numbers are completely unacceptable. Trucking companies with repeated violations should be shut down for good. I urge lawmakers to develop legislation that will close loopholes in our system which gives companies like Swift Transportation opportunity after opportunity to jeopardize the safety of drivers all over the country," stated Solnick.
To learn more about Keep Highways Safe, visit www.keephighwayssafe.org.
ABOUT KEEP HIGHWAYS SAFE: Keep Highways Safe is on a missionto serve as a resource for information for drivers and victims of roadway accidents. We are a team of dedicated attorneys with experience litigating a variety of cases and claims in the state and federal courts of southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact us today at: (215) 481-9979.
Media Contact:
Jay Solnick
(215)381-9979
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keep-highways-safe-identifies-the-25-most-dangerous-trucking-companies-in-pennsylvania-300447013.html
SOURCE Keep Highways Safe
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