May 3, 2006

East Lansing - In reviewing truck crash data for 2005, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Motor Carrier Division reports that truck-involved crashes have dropped from 16,696 to 15,641 in 2005; however fatalities have remained fairly constant with an increase of two truck-involved fatalities over last year, bringing the 2005 fatality count to 122. Injury crashes also decreased from 3,070 in 2004 to 2,823 in 2005.

"Of concern to us is the percentage of truck-related crashes with injuries and fatalities because it remains consistent," stated Captain Robert Powers, commander of the MSP Motor Carrier Division. "This is a clear indication of the physics that come into play with truck crashes. Passenger car occupants are much more likely to incur injuries or be killed when in volved in a crash with a larger and heavier vehicle."

The following table charts truck-involved crashes from 2000 through 2005:

In Michigan, most truck-related crashes occur on two-lane roads, not on freeways. In 2005, 5,494 truck-related crashes occurred on interstate freeways and US Routes, while 10,098 crashes occurred on state routes or local roads. Forty-three crashes did not identify the location.

Studies have shown that passenger car drivers are generally at fault in truck-involved crashes. The MSP Motor Carrier Division reminds passenger car drivers to stay out of the "No-Zone," which is the area of a truck where the truck driver cannot see. It is possible for several passenger cars to be hidden in the "No-Zones" at one time. More information about safe driving around trucks, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.