Based on data from the NHTSA, fatal crashes involving trucks decreased last year by 4.4%, down to 4,808 from 5,027 in 2006. It was a low that hasn't been seen since 1992. Fatalities of truck occupants dropped 0.4% and fatalities of occupants in no truck vehicles drop an astounding 5.2%.
Statistics point to an increased use of safety equipment including: brake monitoring systems, lane departure warnings, stability control, and collision avoidance. It's also believed that the trend of slowing down to reduce fuel costs has also helped decrease the number of fatal crashes.
President and CEO of the ATA, Bill Graves notes that , "The statistics from this recent study show that law enforcement agencies to focusing on the most likely causes of crashes,
such as impaired driving and speeding, are making our highways safer."
The ATA is attempting to help continue this trend, by pushing such programs as "Be ready. Be buckled." and "Share the Road." The ATA is also pushing for tax incentives for drivers using safety technologies and a reduction in the national speed limit.
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