ATA chief applauds crash-rate improvement

Nov. 26, 2002
William Canary, president & CEO of the American Trucking Assns. (ATA), today said that new federal highway safety statistics for 2001 show a continued reduction in the nation’s large truck fatal crash rate. According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT), the fatal crash rate for large trucks in 2001 was 2.1 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicles-miles-traveled (VMT), putting the rate at its lowest
William Canary, president & CEO of the American Trucking Assns. (ATA), today said that new federal highway safety statistics for 2001 show a continued reduction in the nation’s large truck fatal crash rate.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT), the fatal crash rate for large trucks in 2001 was 2.1 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicles-miles-traveled (VMT), putting the rate at its lowest point since the agency began keeping large truck safety records in 1975.

The drop in the large truck fatal crash rate coincides with a nearly 4% drop in the actual number of truck-related fatalities for 2001, the fourth year in a row this category has recorded a drop.

Canary added that truck drivers continue to be the least likely to be cited for alcohol or drug use in fatal crashes where either is a factor.

"Today’s new truck safety numbers are good, but we could save even more lives if we had stronger, visible enforcement of speed limits for all motorists," said Canary, who added that DOT records show that nearly 30% of all fatalities result from speed-related accidents.

Sponsored Recommendations

Way Beyond Weight: 5 Ways Truck Weights Affect Fleet Operations

Truck weights affect everything from highway safety and operational costs to back-office efficiency. Here’s how.

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!