How the Truck Driver Shortage Increases Accident Risks

To keep freight moving, many companies are lowering hiring standards, fast-tracking training, and pushing drivers to work longer hours—all of which can increase accident risks. Inexperienced drivers, fatigued truckers, and violations of safety regulations are becoming more common, putting motorists at greater risk. Trucking companies may be liable for the injuries and damages when these unsafe practices contribute to crashes.

Understanding the connection between the driver shortage and truck accident liability is critical for victims seeking justice and safer roads.

The Extent of the U. S. Truck Driver Shortage

The U.S. trucking industry is grappling with a severe and persistent driver shortage, impacting freight movement, road safety, and industry operations. While recent numbers show a slight decrease in the shortfall, experts warn that the problem is far from resolved.

• According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), the trucking industry was short approximately 60,000 drivers as of 2023. This marks an improvement from the record-high 81,000-driver deficit in 2021, but the decline is viewed as a temporary, cyclical shift rather than a permanent resolution.
• If current trends persist, the driver shortage could reach 160,000 drivers by 2030, making it increasingly difficult for companies to keep up with freight demands.
• Large U.S. trucking fleets experience an annual turnover rate of around 90%, meaning that even when new drivers enter the industry, many leave within a short time. This cycle forces companies into a constant state of recruitment and training, making it difficult to retain experienced drivers.
• To meet growing freight demand and replace retiring drivers, the industry must hire an estimated 1 million new drivers over the next decade—equivalent to 110,000 new hires per year

The Underlying Causes of the Truck Driver Shortage

The ongoing truck driver shortage is driven by several key factors that continue to strain the industry’s ability to recruit and retain qualified drivers.

• Aging Workforce & Retirements – A significant percentage of truck drivers are over 55, and retirements are outpacing the rate of new hires entering the industry. This demographic shift is leaving thousands of positions unfilled each year.
• Declining Interest in Trucking Careers – Younger workers are showing less interest in trucking due to the demanding nature of the job, which includes long hours, extended time away from home, and high physical and mental stress. These challenges make alternative career paths more appealing, further shrinking the talent pool.
• Stricter Safety Regulations – Recent changes in federal and state regulations have raised the standards for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). While these regulations aim to improve road safety, they have also limited the number of eligible candidates entering the industry.

Truck Accident Trends Connected to the Driver Shortage

The ongoing truck driver shortage has contributed to a rise in accidents, with fatal truck crashes increasing 17% from 2020 to 2021, reaching 5,788 deaths. Since 2009, fatal truck accidents have surged 47%, reversing earlier safety progress. Certain states, including Ohio, account for a disproportionate share of these crashes. A key factor behind these rising numbers is the influx of inexperienced drivers and the growing pressure on existing drivers to meet demand.

As trucking companies struggle to fill positions, many lower hiring standards and onboard younger, less-experienced drivers, despite studies showing that newly licensed truckers are twice as likely to be involved in accidents compared to veteran drivers.

At the same time, the shortage forces many truckers to work beyond safe limits, with driver fatigue contributing to 13% of large truck crashes and 20% of inspections revealing Hours of Service (HOS) violations. These industry challenges increase liability risks for trucking companies and make roadways more dangerous for all motorists.

Legal & Liability Implications for Trucking Companies

As truck accidents rise amid the driver shortage, trucking companies face increased liability for crashes involving inexperienced or overworked drivers. Under vicarious liability laws, employers are responsible when drivers cause accidents, and negligent hiring and training claims are increasing as courts hold companies accountable.

Many companies also pressure drivers to exceed legal hours or ignore electronic logging device (ELD) compliance, leading to fatigue-related crashes and Hours of Service (HOS) violations. The rise of “nuclear verdicts”—multi-million-dollar jury awards—raises financial risks. At the same time, unsafe practices and overworked drivers leave companies vulnerable to skyrocketing insurance costs, reputational damage, and business instability.

Initiatives to Improve Truck Safety Amid the Shortage

As the truck driver shortage continues to impact safety, federal agencies, state regulators, and industry leaders have introduced various initiatives to increase the truck driver workforce without compromising safety. These measures aim to improve training, working conditions for truckers, and enforce stricter safety regulations.

Several programs are in place to attract new drivers while ensuring they meet safety standards:

• Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program – Allows 18-20-year-olds to drive interstate under strict supervision and training conditions to expand the driver pool safely.
• Women in Trucking Initiative – Encourages more female drivers, who statistically have lower crash rates than their male counterparts.
• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations – Implemented in 2022, these standardized training requirements ensure new drivers receive adequate instruction before obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Technology Solutions to Reduce Crash Risks

Regulatory agencies are pushing for new truck safety technologies to mitigate the risks posed by inexperienced or overworked truckers:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Mandates – These are under consideration to help prevent rear-end collisions and improve braking response times.
• Speed Limiters for Commercial Trucks – Proposed to restrict excessive speeding, reducing the likelihood of high-impact crashes.
• Stronger Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Enforcement – Tightening oversight of Hours of Service (HOS) compliance to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Efforts to Improve Driver Retention and Safety

To reduce turnover and retain experienced truck drivers, trucking companies are implementing:

• Higher wages and improved working conditions to attract and keep skilled drivers.
• Expanded safety training programs to reduce crash risks and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Better truck parking infrastructure to allow drivers safe rest stops, helping to combat fatigue-related crashes.

While these efforts aim to balance driver recruitment with safety improvements, the long-term effectiveness of these programs remains to be seen. Ensuring better training, enhanced regulations, and technological advancements will be crucial to reducing accidents and mitigating liability risks in the trucking industry.

Protecting Motorists from the Risks of the Truck Driver Shortage

The ongoing truck driver shortage continues to jeopardize road safety. As companies struggle to meet demand, lower hiring standards and excessive workloads have led to a rise in preventable crashes. While initiatives aim to improve things, these measures cannot undo the harm caused by unsafe hiring and fatigued driving. Victims deserve justice and financial recovery for their injuries and assorted damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, Ohio Truck Accident Help is here to fight for you. Our dedicated truck accident attorneys understand how the driver shortage impacts liability and know how to prove negligence in cases involving unqualified or fatigued truckers. We will investigate, secure evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve—contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. There’s no cost unless we win, and we are committed to securing maximum compensation for your recovery.