Imagine this: The sun is shining, highways are packed with families heading to vacations, and commercial trucks move alongside them. But as traffic grows, so does an unsettling trend. Truck accidents spike in June, raising concerns about what is happening on our roads during peak travel season.
According to the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks were involved in 523,796 crashes in 2021 alone, with a notable seasonal uptick during warmer months (FMCSA Data). June often marks the start of this increase as roadways grow busier.
1. Increased Traffic Volume
Truck accidents spike in June largely because of sheer traffic volume. School vacations and national holidays like Memorial Day signal the beginning of heavier personal travel. With more vehicles on the road, the probability of collisions naturally rises. Trucks navigating packed highways have less room for error.
2. Driver Fatigue
Long-haul truck drivers often work extended hours to meet delivery deadlines. In June, the combination of longer days and increased demand for shipments can lead to fatigue-related incidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drowsy driving contributes to thousands of crashes annually (NHTSA Data).
3. Higher Temperatures Impact Equipment
Summer heat places additional stress on trucks. Truck accidents spike in June partly due to tire blowouts, brake failures, and engine overheating. According to the FMCSA, mechanical failures are a significant factor in truck crashes (FMCSA Vehicle Factors).
4. Road Construction Zones
June is also prime time for roadway repairs and construction projects. These work zones create sudden lane shifts, narrow passages, and abrupt stops, which increase the risk of truck crashes. The U.S. Department of Transportation highlights that work zone crashes often involve large commercial vehicles (DOT Work Zone Data).
5. Holiday-Related Impairment
As summer festivities ramp up, so do incidents of impaired driving. Truck accidents spike in June when impaired passenger vehicle drivers create unpredictable hazards for truck operators, especially during holiday weekends.
6. Tourist and Recreational Traffic
Tourists unfamiliar with local roads can make sudden or erratic moves that create dangerous situations. When these actions occur around large trucks with longer stopping distances, the consequences can be severe.
7. Increased Deliveries and Pressure
The rise of e-commerce continues to surge during summer sales events, creating pressure on trucking companies to meet tight deadlines. This push can lead to rushed schedules, aggressive driving, and ultimately more accidents.
Do you want to learn more about this topic? Read more about our blog “Understanding Summer Jobsite Risks: Heat, Fatigue, and Falls in Construction.”
At WSAT Law, we advocate for those impacted by serious accidents on New York’s streets and highways. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, our legal team is here to help you understand your rights.
Call (212) 683-3800 to contact William Schwitzer & Associates.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different.
Images used are conceptual illustrations and do not depict actual events or clients.
The best option is to call our offices for specialized help. Call
(212) 683-3800 to
contact William Schwitzer & Associates
for legal assistance.
