Trucks and Traffic Safety

Barreling along the steep, busy lanes of the Golden State Freeway near Santa Clarita, one thing becomes instantly clear: Death or serious injury is a mere moment of inattention away. As one of the busiest trucking corridors in the state, Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles can also be one of the most dangerous. That’s why a California Highway Patrol crackdown on unsafe truckers and motorists is such a positive step toward improving safety--despite the initial sting of a citation.

Statewide, the number of fatal traffic collisions has fallen steadily over the past decade, from 4,920 in 1987 to 3,252 in 1997--a drop of 34%. At the same time, the number of vehicles on the road has increased 5%, from 20.6 million to 21.7 million. Technological advances such as air bags, as well as increased use of seat belts, contributed to the decline. But even the most modern safety features provide little defense when a passenger car and a big rig collide.

Despite the drop in overall traffic fatalities, the number of truck-related deaths has held steady. In 1993, 369 people died in trucking accidents. The death toll increased in 1994 to 376 and in 1995 to 386 before dropping in 1996 to 373 and in 1997 to 364. Between January and July of last year, CHP officers in Newhall recorded 330 truck-related accidents--257 on a single five-mile stretch through Castaic.

The grim tally put California at the top of the national list and qualified the state for federal safety grants. With the money, CHP officers have targeted unsafe drivers and trucks and blanketed the area around Newhall with extra officers. Although some truckers grouse that officers cite them for seemingly minor infractions such as cracked windshields, responsible drivers point out that small mechanical problems can often signal neglect of less obvious--and more important--parts of the rig. Plus, officers can catch truckers who have been on the road too long. Fatigue is the leading cause of accidents in which the trucker is at fault.

But of the 364 truck-related fatalities in 1997, just 31% were the fault of the truck driver. Educating motorists about how to drive near big trucks is a critical component in reducing freeway crashes. Part of the federal money paid for public service announcements that instruct motorists to avoid truckers’ blind spots and to give them plenty of room in front and behind. Good advice, but heeded by far too few drivers.

So far, the crackdown and education program appear to be working. Between January and June of this year, Newhall officers recorded just 70 truck-related accidents--a 73% drop from last year.

A citation may sting, but even the heaviest fine is a far more gentle punishment than paying the ultimate price for careless driving.