Transportation Safety
It seems that every day a new regulation is coming out about safety in the transportation industry and rightfully so. Transportation is dangerous and it’s important to handle the risk as best as possible. However, a recent study came out by the DOT that shows a 9% increase in trucking related fatalities in 2010. This was the first increase since 2004 and was up from 2009 which was a record low for the industry since it was first tracked in 1975.
Though difficult to pinpoint, it is certainly a upsetting figure to see. With advancements in safety technology, better awareness than we’ve ever had, and other positive factors, the rate increases. One argument to the cause of the increase is simply due to more people being on the road than ever before. The DOT recorded a decrease in 2010 in number of overall miles travelled. This seems to discount the fact that more people are on the road.
So what other reasons could be to blame for this increase? Some believe that the increase in mobile technology is related to the incidents. Though a recent bill was passed to ban mobile phones for truck drivers and other CMV drivers, the general public still has not passed legislation that is nationwide. This could certainly be one of the factors that has been responsible for the extra 295 fatalities in 2010.
Awareness is The Key
Regardless of the increase in regulations and increases in accidents, we have to focus on what matters the most, awareness. Awareness is really just a fancy word for telling your friends that this stuff matters. Accidents kill thousands each year and change peoples lives forever. It matters. Simply using our channels, networks, and voices can help make a profound difference on the impact and change surround transportation safety.
Help us spread the word by sharing this post with others, or writing a post yourself. If you’re aware, it’s time to help others become more.
