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5 states with the highest risk of deadly semi-truck wrecks

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2025 | 18-Wheeler Crash

Semi-trucks are powerful and efficient when used properly. They can transport large quantities of raw materials or consumer goods to various domestic locations. Unfortunately, their presence on the road also creates an increased likelihood of major motor vehicle collisions.

Anywhere vehicles have to share the road with semi-trucks, the possibility of life-altering semi-truck crashes is a major concern. However, some states have significantly higher crash rates involving commercial vehicles than others. A review of federal collision statistics can help drivers identify where their safety might be at risk. That knowledge can be particularly valuable for those in Texas and other high-risk states.

What states see the greatest number of preventable semi-truck collisions?

5. Wyoming

There are several metrics that can help evaluate crash risk. When looking at commercial crashes, people can consider the number of deaths. They can also look at what percentage of traffic fatalities involved commercial vehicles. Wyoming had fewer deaths than many other states, but 21% of all fatal wrecks involved commercial vehicles.

4. North Dakota

Like Wyoming, North Dakota has a relatively low population density overall. That means that the number of fatalities wasn’t particularly high. However, 23% or almost one in four fatal crashes involved a semi-truck in North Dakota in 2022. That makes it a very dangerous place to share the road with an 18-wheeler.

3. Florida

Fatality rates influenced state placement on this list as well. According to the National Safety Council, Florida had the third-highest number of semi-truck fatalities in the nation in 2022. There were 368 deaths reported because of commercial vehicle crashes.

2. California

In 2022, California reported 436 semi-truck crash fatalities. Factors including international commercial traffic from Mexico and dense population centers contribute to the high level of crash risk in California.

1. Texas

Texas tops the list with a staggering 810 fatalities reported in semi-truck collisions in 2022. Drivers traveling from Mexico into the United States and from the East Coast to the West Coast often take routes through Texas. The high volume of commercial traffic is one of the factors that contribute to the likelihood of a crash occurring.

After a preventable semi-truck collision, those involved in the wreck may need help pursuing compensation. Surviving family members may also have the right to take legal action. Acknowledging the elevated risk in Texas might be the first step toward demanding justice after a particularly serious commercial vehicle crash.