Tennessee has the 13th highest truck crash death rate in the nation, a rate of 2.63 deaths per 100,000 population. This means over 150 people die in Tennessee each year in truck-related crashes.
The Tennessee death rate is 30% higher than the national average. For a listing of the death rates in all states, click here. Almost half of the top 13 states are in the South.
These statistics are released at the same time the Federal Government is taking steps to allow truck drivers to drive an extra 17 to 18 hours per week. Fatigue plays a significant role in truck crashes; the new rules will increase the likelihood that tired truckers will be operating big rigs carelessly.
Thanks to Public Citizen for bringing this information to our attention.