2023 Truck Crash Data

The Institute for Safer Trucking (IST) is encouraged by the newly released data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, showing a reduction in truck crash fatalities in 2023. While the number of people killed in large truck crashes remains significantly higher than previous years —rising by nearly 62% from 3,380 deaths in 2009 to 5,472 in 2023—the recent decline from 5,969 deaths in 2022 represents progress.  This underscores the importance and effectiveness of sustained investments in truck safety measures. 

This positive shift can be attributed in large part to trucking companies that have embraced proven safety technologies such as crash-avoidance systems, telematics, speed limiters, and dual-facing cameras, along with rigorous driver training and oversight. IST commends those companies actively implementing these life-saving solutions, which have demonstrated clear benefits in reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

However, to build on this momentum and further decrease truck-related deaths, policymakers must advance critical safety measures. IST strongly supports finalizing the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) rule for large trucks and establishing a federal requirement for speed limiters to be set at safe speeds. These policies are essential to ensuring comprehensive and consistent adoption of technologies proven to prevent crashes and save lives.

IST remains committed to partnering with industry leaders, policymakers, and safety advocates to continue driving meaningful progress toward safer roads and fewer truck crash fatalities nationwide.