Safest States for Truck Drivers

Safest States for Truck Drivers

Where does Wisconsin rank among the safest states for truck drivers?

A new study has revealed Wisconsin as the seventh-safest state for delivery truck drivers during winter.

The research conducted by personal injury experts J & Y Law analyzed the 10-year average large truck fatal winter crashes from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and compared it to the number of large truck drivers in each state as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of crashes per 100,000 large truck drivers was then calculated to determine the safest states for delivery truck drivers.

New Mexico tops the list of the most dangerous states for large truck drivers in winter, with an average annual fatal crash rate of 122.1 per 100,000 drivers. This is approximately 121% higher than the national average of 55.2 per capita.

Here are the top 10 most dangerous states for winter truck driving

1. New Mexico – 122.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers

2. Oklahoma – 112.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers

3. Montana – 99.4 crashes per 100,000 drivers

4. Wyoming – 88.0 crashes per 100,000 drivers

5. West Virginia – 82.2 crashes per 100,000 drivers

6. Florida – 78.2 crashes per 100,000 drivers

7. Kansas – 76.8 crashes per 100,000 drivers

8. Mississippi – 76.7 crashes per 100,000 drivers

9. Louisiana – 76.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers

10. Kentucky – 75.8 crashes per 100,000 drivers

Fortunately, Wisconsin doesn’t make that list. In fact, it appears on the list of the safest states for large truck drivers.

Wisconsin comes in seventh at 34.5 crashes per 100,000 drivers—around 37% below the national average. The Badger State’s 52,200 truck drivers saw an average of 18 fatal winter crashes per year during the studied timeframe from 2013 to 2022.

Here are the top 10 safest U.S. states for large truck drivers in winter:

1. Rhode Island: 8.9 fatal crashes/100K drivers, 84% below the national average

2. Massachusetts: 24.6, 55% below the national average

3. New Jersey: 28.3, 49% below the national average

4. Minnesota: 30.0, 46% below the national average

5. New Hampshire: 30.5, 45% below the national average

6. Utah: 31.5, 43% below the national average

7. Wisconsin: 34.5, 37% below the national average

8. Hawaii: 34.9, 37% below the national average

9. Illinois: 35.5, 36% below the national average

10. Ohio: 35.7, 36% below the national average

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from J & Y Law commented,

“The study highlights states that have successfully addressed the challenges of winter driving. States like Wisconsin stand out for their robust road maintenance, thorough driver training, and strategic route planning, all of which lead to safer conditions for the truckers who keep our supply chains running smoothly.

Truckers are advised to perform detailed pre-trip inspections. Pay extra attention to tires, brakes, and fluid levels, and map out routes that steer clear of known trouble spots. Staying informed on local weather forecasts can also help navigate winter roads with greater confidence and control.”

Below is the table of extended results

The study was conducted by J & Y Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to personal injury cases — including serious injuries and wrongful death — and committed to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value.

ENDS

P.S. If using this story, please credit and link to www.jnylaw.com.

Data Sources

• Fatal Crashes → https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_LRT/Home?%3Aembed=y&%3Aiid=1&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y

• Truck Driver Counts → https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oessrcst.htm

Study by → https://www.jnylaw.com/

Dataset → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11BJd9TMviKxHfluyD9u46KWRwqJoj7thY7H_Db-rZYo/edit?gid=405408082#gid=405408082

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) on average annual large truck fatal winter crashes from 2013–2022 and compared it to the number of truck drivers in each state as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Crashes per capita were calculated for each state by dividing total crashes by the number of truck drivers and multiplying by 100,000.

Resources

• Map → Dangerous states for large truck drivers

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]