FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Federal crash data shows Wyoming residents face more than four times the national average risk, while New Jersey ranks among the nation's safest states
NEW JERSEY — A new nationwide study from The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr analyzes federal crash data and identifies the states where residents face the greatest risk of being killed in crashes involving large trucks.
The study examined fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and compared state-level crash deaths involving large trucks against population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Researchers found significant differences in fatality rates across the country, with some states recording rates several times higher than the national average.
The findings show that 5,472 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks across the United States in 2023, with a national average of 1.63 fatalities per 100,000 residents. On a state level, Wyoming recorded the highest fatality rate in the nation at 7.02 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Other states that ranked high in the study for fatality rates include New Mexico, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. Each of these states recorded fatality rates well above the national average. The study also finds that 27 of the 50 states (including D.C.) recorded rates above the national average of 1.63.
While Wyoming ranked highest on a per-capita basis, Texas recorded the largest total number of fatalities. The state reported 730 deaths in crashes involving large trucks during 2023.
The study also examines New Jersey's position within the rankings, which is where The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr is based. Despite serving as a major transportation hub along the Northeast Corridor, New Jersey ranked 46th among all states and jurisdictions analyzed, with a fatality rate of 0.67 deaths per 100,000 residents. That figure is nearly 59% below the national average.
"Many people assume the greatest danger comes from heavily congested cities, but this data shows that some of the highest risks exist in states with long stretches of highway and significant freight traffic," said Harold J. Gerr, founder of The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. "Looking beyond raw fatality totals helps identify where residents face the greatest risk and highlights the importance of understanding how geography, infrastructure, and commercial traffic patterns can influence roadway safety."
The analysis focused on crashes involving large trucks, defined by NHTSA as medium or heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. Fatalities included truck occupants, occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other roadway users killed in crashes involving a large truck.
You can view the complete study, which includes a state-by-state ranking, detailed methodology, and infographic at: https://www.haroldgerrlaw.com/research-studies/most-dangerous-states-for-large-truck-crashes/
About The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr
The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr is a New Jersey personal injury law firm representing individuals and families harmed by truck accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and other serious injury incidents. The firm is dedicated to helping injured individuals understand their legal rights and pursue fair compensation after preventable accidents.
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Samantha Kessler
Esquire Digital
