A recent early morning crash in Cumberland County involving a double tractor-trailer reminds us that, while these trucks are necessary to transport and deliver goods to our homes and neighborhood shops, they can be very dangerous and all drivers should use the utmost caution in their vicinity.

The accident occurred when the tractor-trailer entered a closed highway lane and struck a construction vehicle that was picking up roadside cones. One of the two construction workers inside this vehicle was later pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. After striking the first vehicle, the tractor-trailer then struck a third automobile and debris from the crash damaged yet another vehicle. This mayhem closed Route 581 for hours, requiring local traffic to diverted to other roads.

Study shows truck accidents increasingly common

Using data from 2008 through 2022, a study by the National Safety Council confirms that accidents involving large trucks have increased over the past decade, resulting in more injuries and fatalities, with the exception of 2020 when the global health emergency resulted in less overall traffic. Additionally, the report finds that the majority of injuries in these crashes (over 70% for 13 out of the reported 15 years) are suffered by occupants in the other vehicle. The study also shows that most of these accidents – 73% – take place on non-interstate roads.

All of this evidence showcases the need for alert and cautious driving on all roadways, especially around large trucks. Pennsylvania commuters must take care to avoid truck accidents and other potentially dangerous situations posed by distracted or impaired drivers.