By Lettecha Johnson

Trucking accidents often result from not meeting maintenance requirements and drivers not getting proper rest. Earnest truckers and independent owner-operators can take safety into their own hands by utilizing digital diagnostics and by making pre- and post-trip inspections a regular practice. Black CDL drivers also have relevant support organizations to turn to for safety compliance education and advocacy.

According to Consumer Shield, there have been about 41,300 truck crashes as of May 15, 2026, and when considering data from 2021 to this year, the truck bore the blame for over 55% of collisions with other vehicles. That’s why understanding safety checklists, from wearing boots when driving to knowing who to report violating carriers to, can protect CDL drivers and other bystanders from the often devastating results of these road collisions.

What’s Causing More Severe Trucking Accidents?

Unsafe carriers often have high turnover rates and hire new, less experienced operators, then push them out long before they’re ready. As a result, there are more critical errors being made when braking and turning these large vehicles. 

Driver fatigue has been an ongoing issue, as truck drivers often have grueling delivery schedules and logistical demands. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations mean they end up driving longer hours without sleep than they should, making them prone to delayed reactions or falling asleep at the wheel. 

Commercial drivers also have the same in-cab distractions as modern drivers, from GPS systems to cell phones, in addition to communicating with dispatch services. 

Trying to escape routine inspections can quickly lead to a mechanical failure from worn tires and poor steering. A commercial vehicle itself is already several thousand pounds in weight, and when you add cargo, that’s an even heavier load than your typical passenger car. 

A combination of cargo not being properly tied down or evenly distributed and not braking at the right stopping distance at highway speeds can be devastating.

Why Are Chameleon Carriers a Problem?

Instead of taking accountability for past safety violations, these companies will dissolve only to reopen under a new name. Their safety records are tied to their US Department of Transportation number. 

Therefore, opening under a new company identity means erasing past violations. Some even stack past violations across the different USDOT numbers. 

How Is Industry Compliance Evolving?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the entity in charge of managing and regulating the commercial trucking industry at the federal level. While there has been some major legislation to help combat trucking issues, such as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), there are still major pitfalls within the industry that need resolution. 

The use of real-time digital audits can make it easier to maintain continuous data integrity about the truck’s diagnostics and driver log time. Using certified ELDs can reduce fraud, as it is easier to forge misinformation on paperwork, yet the FMCSA has removed some devices for non-compliance with technical specifications.

Regulations are also cracking down on carriers with non-compliant drivers on the road, such as those without training and language proficiency.

Drug testing may expand to include hair testing for drugs.

What Can CDL Drivers Do Proactively?

Regardless of carrier, individual drivers have regular procedures that keep them, their income, and the lives of others on the road safe.

Always follow the DOT inspection checklist, which means checking:

  • Brakes
  • Tires
  • Steering and suspension
  • Under-the-hood components
  • Mirrors and windshield
  • Electronic logging devices (ELDs) function

Emergency supplies and protective equipment should be readily available near your seat. You should have:

  • First aid kit
  • Warning triangles
  • Reflective vests
  • Water

An unexpected breakdown may happen at any time in any weather, so make sure that you are fully stocked with them before pulling out.

Can I Find Local Support for Preventing Truck Crashes?

Consider joining organizations such as the Minority Professional Truckers Association for ongoing industry knowledge, including safety protocols, and access to large long-term contracts with vetted companies.

As more Black women obtain commercial driver’s licenses, they may also need targeted support beyond simply increasing their representation in the industry. The African American Women Trucking Association also provides resources and safety advocacy nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is the Trucking Industry Doing So Bad?

The industry suffered major upheaval during COVID and is still trying to rebound. The tariffs initiated last year have also affected the delivery of goods, particularly internationally. The rising costs from these tariffs have raised prices on consumer goods, which has affected purchases and has caused some supply chains to scale back out of necessity.

Corporate bankruptcies have also resulted as smaller owner-operators and fleets were squeezed out of the market. They can no longer sustain operations on such lower margins. 

Drivers are also dealing with time issues from chronic time wasting at shipping docs due to supply chain stagnation, as well as a shortage of safe truck parking across the country. High diesel prices are heavily affecting the industry, along with exorbitant insurance premiums. 

Profit margins are further affected by the inflated costs for trucking parts and overall maintenance.

Is Trucking Even Worth It Anymore?

Trucking can be a very rewarding field, especially if you enjoy the lifestyle. There is a low barrier to entry, as you can get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in less than six weeks. There is high earning potential that may reach into six figures within a year or two. 

If working in an office or other station area doesn’t suit you, being on the road as a trucker may be the perfect fit. However, personal relationships and health can take a hit when living out of your truck for days or weeks. 

Market fluctuations can affect independent owner-operators with risk of profit loss from ongoing fuel and insurance increases.

Understand Trucking Risks for Everyone’s Safety

Trucking accidents are one of the dangers of being a CDL driver. However, regular safety checks and professional vetting can mitigate this issue. Unsafe carriers are responsible for more severe trucking accidents by violating rest period regulations, maintenance,  and logging specifications. 

With adjustments from digital logs to legal proposals in Congress, truckers and other drivers on the road can avoid these devastating accidents. It can help regulate a much-needed industry vital to the nation’s economy.

Learn more about other trade industries vital to the country by checking other articles on our website.