Is Commercial Truck Driving a Dangerous Career?

If you’re considering a career as a commercial driver, especially a semi-truck driver, you’ve likely had someone caution you about how dangerous it can be. After all, operating massive tractor-trailers through busy cities, over mountain passes, and in ominous storms can seem more like a death wish than a lucrative career. While commercial driving does come with risks, we want to point out that most of that can be avoided with proper training and safety standards. A daily commitment to careful preparation and continuous safety goes a long way on the road. There's a reason why the vast majority of our students are still happily driving years after taking our 4-week course. We equip you with the knowledge and real-world skills that you need.

Yet we don’t want to minimize the fact that there are real dangers involved with commercial driving, so we’ll explore the facts and provide statistics about accidents and fatalities while debunking some myths and misconceptions. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how you can protect yourself and others as a CDL driver to ensure a safe and fulfilling career for many years.

CDL Crash and Fatality Statistics

There’s no denying that commercial driving carries legitimate risks. Large trucks can be difficult to maneuver, require longer braking distances, and sometimes can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Accidents involving these big rigs often have severe consequences.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 5,936 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks. Of these, about 18% were drivers or occupants of the large truck. Every death is a tragedy, and the great disparity between the death rate of the driver as compared to the occupants of the other, often smaller, vehicles simply underscores the massive responsibility that a CDL comes with. Being inside of the semi-truck is a much safer place than outside of it, which is great for CDL driver safety, but must encourage a higher level of safety and vigilance for the sake of others.

These numbers can seem alarming, but it’s important to put them into context. Commercial trucks account for a large portion of vehicles on the road. The American Trucking Association (ATA) has reported that there were 14.3 million registered large trucks in the US in 2022, and they covered about 331.27 billion miles that year. Therefore, the chances of an accident happening while driving a big rig are actually pretty minimal.

Injuries and Non-Fatal Accidents

In addition to fatal accidents, truck drivers are also exposed to non-fatal crashes that can result in injury. Compared to other vehicle types, like motorcycles or cars, drivers of large trucks have a much higher risk of fatality if they were previously involved in an accident. This points to the fact that there’s a significant correlation between a driver’s propensity for crashes and their risk of death. Safe, careful CDL drivers can do a lot to protect themselves and others with the right training. Sadly, CDL drivers with multiple accidents exhibit patterns that should be taken very seriously. If you enter into this career and begin to be involved in accidents or injuries, it could be a sign that you need to step away and into a different career.

Myths and Misconceptions of Commercial Driving

When discussing commercial driving, it’s easy to focus on the risks without looking at the full picture. Let’s jump into some common myths and misconceptions that often make the career seem more dangerous than it really is.

Myth 1: Constant Fatality Risk

Yes, it’s true that truck driving has legitimate dangers, but the statistics can be misleading when taken out of context. Long-haul drivers cover thousands of miles every week, often on highways, which are generally safer than city streets due to fewer intersections and traffic. The perception of danger is often heightened because accidents involving trucks are usually more severe due to the size of the vehicles. However, proper training and adherence to safety regulations leads to the majority of drivers actually going through decades without any serious incidents.

Myth 2: Fatigue is Unavoidable

Fatigue cannot be taken lightly and is a common experience for CDL drivers. However, modern regulations have been put in place to directly address this issue, including Hours of Service (HOS) rules that limit the number of hours a driver can work consecutively. Drivers are required to take breaks and get adequate rest to ensure they stay alert while on the road.

It’s incredibly important to abide by these regulations and use common sense. Do not skip your breaks and be sure to take naps when needed. Avoid driving during peak fatigue hours, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and don’t take unnecessary risks to meet timelines. More important than a missed appointment is your life and the lives of others on the road. Taking fatigue seriously will greatly minimize your risk of accidents.

Myth 3: Truck Driving Is the Most Dangerous Profession

While it's true that commercial truck driving is among the more dangerous jobs in terms of fatalities, it’s important to remember that the majority of drivers never experience a fatal accident. As well as that, the risk of injury varies greatly depending on the type of trucking and the specific circumstances of the job. And as safety innovations continue to progress, modern trucks are now equipped with advanced technology like collision warning systems, lane departure warnings, and electronic stability control that can greatly reduce the chances of accidents.

How to Be a Safe CDL Driver

Now that we’ve addressed the facts and myths, the most important question is: How can I stay safe as a CDL Driver?

1. Follow the Hours of Service Regulations

The FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules help to prevent fatigue and ensure safe driving. As a CDL driver, you cannot make the mistake of seeing these regulations as your enemy. Make sure to adhere to these rules by taking your required breaks and getting enough rest between shifts. Staying awake and alert will allow you to make good driving decisions with quick reaction times.

2. Perform Thorough Pre-Trip Inspections

Being meticulous with your truck inspections every morning is an incredibly important safety aspect. This allows you to catch potential issues that could lead to accidents or driving difficulties before you even get on the road. It is a legal requirement to check your tires, brakes, lights, and other critical systems before each trip to ensure everything is functioning properly.

3. Drive Defensively

To protect yourself from the driving mistakes of others, it’s essential to practice and learn defensive driving tactics. You will learn these skills at New Sound CDL School so that you’re ready to safely hit the road after passing your CDL exam. Maintaining a safe following distance, scanning ahead for potential hazards, and being prepared for sudden actions from other vehicles are all learned skills that will keep you safer than most.

4. Track Weather and Road Conditions

This is especially critical for long-haul truckers who cross various climates and terrains every day. Staying ahead of the curve with road closures, severe weather warnings, and hazardous conditions can keep you out of dangerous situations. If you happen to find yourself in adverse weather like heavy rain, snow, or fog, reduce your speed and increase your following distance to maintain your safety. Careful driving is the best way to ensure a long and safe CDL career.

Conclusion: Is Commercial Driving Really That Dangerous?

Commercial driving absolutely comes with serious risks. We don’t want to minimize the dangers of this career, but there’s also a lot of misconceptions about this topic. Much of your safety while on the road will be determined by your own diligence and skills. For this reason, the most important factor contributing to driver safety is your training and preparation. This is an industry where adherence to regulations and protocols can mean life or death.

At New Sound CDL School, we understand that a successful and safe CDL career starts with comprehensive professional training. Our program is designed by experienced CDL veterans to prepare you for life beyond the exam. Our school offers the best hands-on training with a facility and paved lot with the latest trucks allocated specifically for your training. Our team will patiently and professionally work with you individually until you’re confident with all of the features in your truck. You’ll learn how and why to inspect your truck everyday with the precision and understanding of a professional. We take pride in commercial driving and intimately understand the pros and cons of a CDL career, including the real dangers of the road. Don’t cut any corners; prepare yourself with the best training in Washington state.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and become a safe, responsible commercial driver, contact us today to learn about our program or apply now. Experience the New Sound difference and protect yourself with our first-class program.

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