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

In 2023, there were over 5 million car accidents in the United States that resulted in injuries. Of those, nearly 45,000 people lost their lives. All vehicle accidents are tragic, but crashes involving large trucks stand out for their severity and the devastation they cause. Because of their size and design, fatal crashes involving trucks can be far more dangerous, extensive, and deadly.

While no highway in the U.S. is unknown to the trucking industry, these crashes are, unfortunately, more frequent in some areas than others. MTV Law is analyzing U.S. counties with the highest rates of large truck-related fatalities to see how Pennsylvania compares.

By MTVLaw.com

An Overview of Truck-Involved Fatal Accidents

Fatal truck accidents refer to collisions in which a large truck is involved and at least one life is lost. These crashes are distinct from those involving only passenger vehicles because the force of impact is so much greater. A tractor-trailer can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a car, meaning that even at lower speeds, the outcome is often devastating, especially for victims in small cars. Additionally, trucks and other tall vehicles have a much higher center of gravity, which means they can roll over much more easily than an average sedan or SUV. Because they’re much taller than most vehicles, smaller cars and motorcycles can be run over by semi-trucks in some incidents.

For these reasons, semi-truck accidents are 12% more likely to result in fatality than an accident involving a standard vehicle. In fact, in 2023, 114,552 trucks were involved in car crashes, resulting in over 5,000 deaths. Additionally, semi-trucks account for 9% of all vehicles involved in car crashes. Unfortunately, despite these figures, the number of these accidents has increased over the past decade.

With many different factors involved on the road, it makes sense that there is no single cause of trucking accidents. For example, long hours can cause driver fatigue, while distractions like phones or even the truck’s own operating system divert attention from the road. Additionally, driver errors such as unsafe speeds, improper lane changes, and poor truck maintenance all increase risks. Finally, weather conditions and road layout also play a role, with ice, rain, and steep terrain creating additional hazards.

In short, fatal truck accidents represent a pressing public safety issue. They reflect a combination of human behavior, infrastructure challenges, and systemic pressures in the trucking industry that continue to put lives at risk.

Pennsylvania’s Record on Trucking Accidents

Pennsylvania’s highways connect the Northeast to the Midwest, making it a central passage for freight. While large metro counties like Philadelphia and Allegheny show relatively low rates of truck-involved fatal crashes per capita, rural counties in the state reveal a very different reality.

Fulton County, with just over 14,000 residents, has Pennsylvania’s highest rate of fatal truck accidents, with more than 41 deadly truck crashes per 100,000 residents. Union, Clearfield, and Wyoming Counties also face alarmingly high numbers. These counties are not centers of shipping in the same way that Texas or California counties are, but their rural road networks and limited infrastructure pose serious dangers. Long stretches of highway with limited enforcement resources often lead to higher speeds and increased driver fatigue, which in turn heightens the severity of crashes.

Pennsylvania enforces strict weight limits and requires regular inspections of large trucks. These laws have contributed to reducing risks in urban areas, where monitoring is simpler, as counties like Sullivan, Delaware, and Montgomery report the lowest rates of fatal truck accidents. However, the state still struggles in rural areas, where there is less enforcement.

By MTVLaw.com

National Trends in Truck-Involved Fatalities

The contrast between Pennsylvania’s rural and urban counties reflects national trends. Smaller counties with fewer residents can see their rates rise rapidly due to just a few tragic incidents. For instance, Cameron County reported only one fatal truck accident; however, due to its small population, the per capita rate placed it among the highest in the state.

At the state level, California, Texas, and Florida rank highest in both large and small counties. In large counties, Kern County, California, reports over 15 fatal crashes involving trucks per 100,000 residents, while Dallas and Montgomery counties in Texas also rank high. For small counties, Midland County, Texas, has an alarming rate of more than 38 fatal trucking accidents per 100,000 residents.

The reason these states appear so often is partly tied to their roles in commerce. California and Texas have multiple ports that connect the United States to international markets, which necessitate a constant flow of tractor-trailers through the surrounding regions. Florida faces a similar challenge, as its highways carry heavy shipping traffic from coastal cities deep into the state.

Counties like Weld County, Colorado, and Coconino County, Arizona, rank high due to their unique terrain and weather conditions. Mountain passes and sharp turns can put both truck drivers and motorists at risk.

What to Do About Large Truck Accidents

Large trucks will remain a vital part of the economy for the foreseeable future, but the human toll of truck-involved fatal accidents must not be overlooked. States, including Pennsylvania, that face higher fatalities must take steps to improve safety. Truck accidents bring devastating consequences, and the counties most affected often face challenges beyond their control. For families who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes involving a truck, the impact is permanent. 

Van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim are committed to supporting victims of trucking accidents and their families. If you or someone you love has been injured in a semi-truck accident, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Contact our firm today to learn how we can advocate for your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to.

Counties With the Highest Rates of Fatal Truck Accidents in the U.S.

The results were categorized into large and small counties. Half of the U.S. population resides in “large” counties, which have populations of 500,000 or more. The other half lives in the remaining “small” counties, which have populations under 500,000. Counties with populations under 100,000 were excluded from the analysis because a single fatal truck accident could significantly skew the per capita results due to their smaller populations.

In the case of a tied rate, the county with the higher number of fatal accidents involving large trucks took precedence in the ranking.

Large Counties With the Most Fatal Accidents Involving Large Trucks, per Capita

Population Size: 500,000+

Small Counties With the Most Fatal Accidents Involving Large Trucks, per Capita

While the first set of rankings highlights where the total impact of truck-related deaths is greatest, the next focuses on measuring counties where the highest percentage of fatal accidents involving large trucks is found.

Counties with the highest number of fatal truck crashes per capita indicate where these tragedies occur most frequently compared to the population. Those with the highest percentages reveal where truck crashes account for an unusually large share of all deadly accidents, even if their overall numbers are smaller, and regardless of their population size. The next set of rankings is important because they help identify where large trucks pose a disproportionate danger.

Large Counties With the Highest Percentage of Fatal Accidents That Are Large Truck-Related

Small Counties With the Highest Percentage of Fatal Accidents That Are Large Truck-Related

Now, let’s take a look at the deadliest counties for large truck-related accidents in the state of Pennsylvania. The law firm of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Linheim specializes in representing victims of truck accidents in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Deadliest Pennsylvania Counties for Large Truck-Related Fatalities

The 15 Pennsylvania Counties With the Most Fatal Accidents Involving Large Trucks, per Capita

The 15 Pennsylvania Counties With the Fewest Fatal Accidents Involving Large Trucks, per Capita

Source

NHSTA’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) https://cdan.dot.gov/query