The Deadliest U.S. Counties for Large Truck-Related Fatalities

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A nationwide study from van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin identifies the U.S. counties with the highest rates of fatal accidents involving semi trucks. It shows the disproportionate toll these types of accidents have in some rural and freight-heavy areas.

The study analyzes data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool. Key findings include:

• Kern County, California, ranks highest among large counties (population 500,000+), with 15.39 fatal large-truck accidents per 100,000 residents.
• Midland County, Texas, is the deadliest small county (population 100,000–499,999), with 38.37 fatal large-truck accidents per 100,000 residents.
• Bronx County, NY, had the largest percentage of fatal accidents involving large trucks (nearly 19.7% of all fatal crashes), and Johnson County, IA, topped the small-county percentage list at 36.4%.
• California, Texas, and Florida have the highest number of counties among the top rankings.

“Large trucks are essential to the economy, but their size means collisions are far more likely to be fatal,” said Michael T. van der Veen, founding partner of van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin. “This analysis shows how local infrastructure and code enforcement can make the difference between life and death.

Contributing Factors

There are recurring factors behind the high rates:

• Freight chokepoints and ports: Counties that serve as distribution hubs or are located near ports experience heavier truck traffic.
• Rural road networks: Long stretches of highways in rural areas are often associated with higher speeds and lower code enforcement, which increases the likelihood and severity of crashes.
• Terrain and weather: Areas with steep passes, sharp curves, or a tendency towards adverse weather conditions increase the risk of crashes for semi-trucks.
• Fleet operations and driver fatigue: An ongoing issue in the trucking industry, characterized by long hours and intense pressure, can contribute to hazardous conditions.

About van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin

van der Veen, Hartshorn and Levin represents victims of serious motor vehicle and trucking accidents, is committed to helping injured individuals, advocating for safer roads, and raising public awareness of trends that contribute to catastrophic crashes. The firm works with national datasets and local experts to identify patterns that can inform prevention and policy.