ATA research: Trucking industry spends big on safety

June 30, 2016
“We know this industry prioritizes and invests in improving safety on our nation’s highways,” said ATA Executive Vice President of National Advocacy Dave Osiecki.

The trucking industry invests at least $9.5 billion in safety annually according to a landmark report released by American Trucking Associations.

“We know this industry prioritizes and invests in improving safety on our nation’s highways,” said ATA Executive Vice President of National Advocacy Dave Osiecki. “With the results of this survey, we now can put a dollar figure on that investment and that figure is significant.”

The $9.5 billion annual figure breaks down over four broad categories: 

  • On-board Technology: Collision avoidance and mitigation systems, blind spot warning systems, stability control, video event recorders, electronic logging devices and other safety technologies
  • Driver Training: Safety training, staff wages and consultants, safety retraining and coaching and hazardous materials training
  • Safety Pay: Awards and bonuses based on improved safety performance
  • Regulatory Compliance: Motor vehicle and driver record checks, drug and alcohol testing, voluntary safety audits, safety staff wages and benefits as well as safety consultants. 

Additionally, the $9.5 billion figure does not include general and routine maintenance costs such as purchasing new brakes, tires or trucks, which would increase the total significantly

“Before this survey, we were only able to conservatively estimate our industry’s commitment to safety,” said ATA First Vice Chairman Kevin Burch, president of Jet Express. “Now, thanks to the efforts of ATA, we can see just how much our industry is investing in safety as well as the results of these investments – improved safety for all motorists.”

“Since economic deregulation in 1980, we have seen marked declines in truck-involved crashes and crash rates on our highways, and in the past decade, those declines have been particularly steep,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “Safety is job one for ATA and its members and the efforts we're making to improve it are remarkable and, for the first time, quantifiable.”

Sponsored Recommendations

AIRCAT Solutions - Small Ratchets With Enormous Power

Experience the power of AIRCAT's diverse ratchet selection. Each designed with a unique transmission gear for faster torque buildup and unbeatable performance. Their compact sizes...

Unmatched Power and Comfort: AIRCAT Grinders for Every Workspace

AIRCAT grinders deliver powerful performance with high RPM and efficient, quiet operation. Designed for comfort and control, they feature ergonomic handles, extended reach, and...

What Are the Advantages of Air Tools Over Cordless Tools?

Discover the advantages of air tools over cordless tools.

AIRCAT Tool Reviews: The Nitrocat 1056-XL Compact

Hear what senior autotechs have to say about the AIRCAT Nitrocat 1056-XL compact impact wrench. They’ll provide their reviews on tools they own and have been using every day on...

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!