Trucking Industry Ends Century on Safe Note

Dec. 17, 1999
Statistics show the 1990s was the trucking industry's safest decade ever.

The most recent federal statistics show significant improvements in several major truck safety categories, making the 1990s the industry's safest decade ever, announced Walter B. McCormick Jr., president and CEO of the American Trucking Association (ATA).

Highlighting the truck safety success story is a 34 percent drop in the large truck fatal crash rate over the past 10 years to an all-time low. The new rate is 2.3 fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled.

The rate of large trucks involved in injury and property damage accidents dropped 35 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

"Our responsible motor carriers and their professional truck drivers take highway safety seriously," said McCormick. "They deserve credit for making the significant safety improvements that have produced this record."

The industry's strong support for increased roadside inspections has resulted in a 46 percent drop in the number of trucks put out of service for safety defects over the last 10 years.

Drug use among truck drivers is also at an all time low. The latest random drug testing of drivers produced less than 1.5 percent positive results.

The industry also points to its outreach efforts as having a role in improving safety. ATA oversees the "How-To-Drive" program that teaches motorists how to safely share the road with large trucks.

"Though this century began without trucks, we are closing it with the trucking industry earning 82 percent of all freight revenue. This success, while at the same time pushing a strong safety agenda, motivates us to continue to work with federal and state governments to make our roads even safer for the 21st century," concluded McCormick.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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