Fatal Truck Crashes in Westchester County
Westchester County Among Top 10 Counties with Most Truck Accident Fatalities
According to the most recent National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, there were 121 fatalities in New York State involving large trucks. This is an increase of 13% over the previous year. The NHTSA analysis includes a list of the top ten counties in the state with the highest number of these large truck accident fatalities, and unfortunately, Westchester County made the list.
Why the increase in big truck crashes? When you consider that 70% of all freight is transported by truck, and that the demand for products country-wide has risen, the volume of large trucks on our roadways increases yearly.
Although some of these crashes occur due to the fault of the truck driver, other times it is the fault of drivers of other vehicles who are also on the roadway.
Crashes can occur for many reasons, including:
- Driver inattention or distraction
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Unsafe lane changing
- Passing or improper lane use
Just last month, a Peterbilt tractor trailer driver was killed when his vehicle was sideswiped by a driver of a Toyota on I-87 in Rockland County. After the initial impact, the tractor trailer spun out of control, and hit a Freightliner semi-truck before overturning.
This past week, on I-87 in Orange County, a Freightliner tractor trailer driver struck a Peterbilt tractor trailer, pushing the truck forward and into the rear of a Ford Explorer. The Freightliner driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preventing Tractor Trailer Accidents
Could either of these two horrific, fatal accidents have been prevented? There are times when the situation is out of the control of the truck driver or drivers of other vehicles on the roadway, but there are things other drivers can do to avoid an accident with a tractor trailer.
Some recommendations are to:
- Avoid the truck’s blind spots;
- Be courteous in inclement weather;
- Never pass a truck on the right-hand side;
- Leave extra space for tire blow-outs; and
- If you need to pull over, make sure you are completely off the road so drivers can safely pass.
Practicing these simple suggestions greatly help keep you and other drivers safe.
Advocates for the Injured in Westchester County
If you were injured in a tractor trailer accident or lost a loved one in an accident, please contact Denlea & Carton. We can discuss your options in a free legal consultation and help you file an injury claim. Our goal is to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable so that you get the recovery you deserve.
