A report recently published by the nation’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims workers over age 65 are at least three times more likely to be killed in a highway accident than workers who are between the ages of 18 and 54. As part of the study, researchers from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health analyzed data from nearly 12,000 workers who were involved in a fatal occupational highway transportation incident between 2008 and 2010. Although about 27 percent of those killed were over age 55, death rates were apparently highest for full-time workers over age 65.
According to CDC researchers, the highest proportion of individuals killed overall were involved in a semi-truck collision. 31 percent of those who died in an occupational highway transportation incident that involved a tractor-trailer were between the ages of 18 and 54. In addition, 37 percent of those between 55 and 64 died in a wreck involving an 18-wheeler, and 22 percent of those over age 65 were killed in an accident with a semi.
David Kelley, former Acting Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and current Executive Director of the National Coalition for Safer Roads, stated the data demonstrates that transportation employers should offer improved training to all workers. He added that all Americans who drive for a living should refrain from using electronic devices while behind the wheel, remain sober, and always wear a safety belt.
Tragic New Mexico commercial truck accidents can be caused by any number of factors, including driver distraction, impairment, or fatigue, excessive load weights, weather, and poor truck maintenance. The victim in a crash involving a tractor-trailer may be eligible to receive financial compensation for lost wages and benefits, any disability that resulted from a truck accident, medical expenses, suffering, and pain. Certain family members of someone who was killed in a collision with a negligent big rig driver may also be entitled to recover for the costs associated with their loved one’s funeral expenses and other damages. If you were hurt by a careless tractor-trailer driver, you should consult with a skilled lawyer as soon as you are able.
Please call the Fine Law Firm at (505) 889-3463 if you were injured or someone you love was killed in an 18-wheeler crash anywhere in the State of New Mexico. Our diligent Albuquerque tractor-trailer collision attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience helping truck accident victims across New Mexico recover the damages they deserve based upon the severity of their harm. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a caring advocate, contact the Fine Law Firm through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Horrific Semi Crash Highlights the Dangers of Distracted Truck Drivers in New Mexico and Nationwide, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, August 23, 2013
Three Tragically Killed in Bernalillo Crash Involving Big Rig, New Mexico Truck Accident Lawyer Blog, August 22, 2013
Additional Resources:
CDC report: Older workers more prone to highway-related fatalities, fleetowner.com