Speeding causes most fatal large-truck crashes: report

Washington – Speeding remains the largest contributing factor in fatal crashes involving drivers of large trucks, according to a new report of 2011 data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The second highest contributing factor in 2011 was distraction or inattention, such as using a cell phone or daydreaming while driving. Impairment, including driving fatigued or after consuming drugs or alcohol, ranked third. Speeding and distraction or inattention also were the first and second highest contributing factors in 2010; impairment ranked sixth.

The report also noted that nearly one-tenth of large-truck drivers were not wearing a safety belt at the time of a fatal crash; of those, 29 percent were fully or partially ejected from the truck.

The report was issued by FMCSA’s Analysis Division.