Trucking Accidents – How Often?

Trucking accidents are an unfortunately prevalent reality on Texas roadways. Texas frequently ranks among the top states in the United States in terms of private and commercial truck licensing. In the year 2021, Texas ranked second in the nation with over 14.6 million licensed vehicles. ¹

The state of Texas regularly leads the nation in roadway accidents involving semi-trucks. In 2022, Texas experienced 15,916 accidents involving semi-trucks, surpassing second place California by over 6,000 accidents. ²

Despite having a lower population than major urban centers like DFW and Houston, semi-truck accidents have a dramatic effect on West Texas roads, particularly in counties heavily involved in the Oil and Gas industry. A report by the Permian Road Safety Coalition found that accidents in the Permian basin are twice as likely to be fatal compared to the rest of Texas. During the 5-year period of their study from 2018-2022, the Permian basin averaged a fatal traffic accident almost every other day. ³

Currently, the counties of Midland, Martin, Upton, Loving and Howard lead the state of Texas in monthly crude oil production. ⁴ According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022 these 5 West Texas counties experienced a combined 828 total crashes involving a Commercial Motor Vehicle, which includes semi-trucks as well as buses. ⁵ These crashes resulted in over 50 serious injuries and over 30 fatalities. ⁶

¹ (Private and Commercial Truck Registration, 2024)

² (Fretwell, 2024)

³ (Permian Road Safety Coalition, 2024)

⁴ (Monthly Production by County Ranking, 2024)

⁵ (Annual Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics, 2024)

⁶ (Annual Texas Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics, 2024)