Logo, U.S. Department of Transportation

2008
Large Truck
Crash Overview

Analysis Division
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation

Cover Photo: Grain & feed truck with blue cab.

Publication No. FMCSA-RRA-10-004
February 2010


The mission of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is to promote the safe operation of commercial vehicles on our Nation’s highways. Of the 37,261 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2008, 11% (4,229) died in crashes that involved a large truck. Another 90,000 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks. Only 16% of those killed and 26% of those injured were occupants of large trucks.

Trends

Vehicles

Drivers

Crashes

Definitions

Large Trucks: Trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Passenger Vehicles: Passenger cars and light trucks—such as vans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks—with 10,000 pounds GVWR or less.

Data Sources

Fatal Crash Data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

Nonfatal Crash Data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, General Estimates System (GES); and FMCSA, Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) crash file.

Vehicle Miles Traveled and Registered Vehicles: Federal Highway Administration.


For more information, contact the Analysis Division at (202) 366-0324, or visit our web sites at www.fmcsa.dot.gov and ai.fmcsa.dot.gov.