In 2022, there were 6,785 accidents in WI where a large truck was involved. There were 429 more trucking accidents in 2022 than in 2021 which is a 6.74% increase. From the crashes, there were 1,846 injuries, with 229 injuries reported as being serious. In 2022, there were 73 large truck crash fatalities in Wisconsin.
Trucking Accidents By Season
According to the DOT, most trucking accidents in Wisconsin occur during the fall season. In Wisconsin, 29% of trucking accidents happened in the fall and 28% of trucking accidents occurred during the summer. Only 20% of trucking accidents occurred during the spring, making spring the month with the least amount of trucking accidents in Wisconsin
Where are truck accidents in WI occuring?
The location of truck accidents in Wisconsin is not uniform. Interstate rural routes account for 11% of trucking accident incidents, while their urban counterparts contribute 6%. However, it is the non-interstate rural areas that dominate the statistics, comprising a staggering 65% of truck accidents, followed by non-interstate urban settings at 18%.
When do most truck accidents occur in WI?
In 2021, 69% of truck accidents occurred during the daytime, while 30% of accidents occurred at night. 84% of truck accidents occurred during a weekday and 16% of truck accidents occurred on the weekend. October was the month with the most trucking accidents, with 14% of accidents occurring. September was 2nd with 12% of truck accidents occurring in the month.
Where did most trucking accidents in WI occur?
In 2021, 81% of trucking accidents occurred off the interstate with only 19% of crashes taking place on the interstate. 75% of truck crashes happened in a rural setting while 26% occurred in an urban location.
Alcohol and Trucking Crashes in WI
In 2021, of the 98 large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes, only 2% were alcohol-impaired, having a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher.
Truck Driver Accident Statistics in WI Crashes
In 2021, 24% of truck drivers involved in fatal Wisconsin crashes had been involved in a previous crash. 18% of the truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had previous speeding convictions. 4% of the truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had previously recorded suspensions or revocations.
Wisconsin vs. Other U.S. States
WI Rankings for Truck Accidents in the U.S.A.
When it comes to truck accidents, how does Wisconsin compare to other states? Based on federal data involving large commercial trucks, Wisconsin falls in the middle nationally in terms of accidents, trucks involved, and fatalities. Specifically, Wisconsin ranks 23rd for total crashes involving large trucks, 24th for trucks involved in fatal crashes, and 23rd for the total number of fatalities stemming from truck accidents. This places Wisconsin safely outside the top 20 states for truck crashes. With over 1,500 truck accidents annually, Wisconsin sees more truck crashes than 27 other states. Understanding where Wisconsin stands can shape discussions around improving trucking safety regulations statewide.
- Crashes Involving Large Trucks = 23rd
- Large Trucks Involved with Fatal Crashes = 24th
- Total Fatalities Involving Large Trucks = 23rd
Roads in WI with the Highest Commercial Truck Traffic
In Wisconsin, certain roads experience much heavier commercial truck volumes than others. Statewide, nearly 1,000 miles of highways are designated by the federal government as National Highway Freight Network routes critical for transporting goods. This freight network includes over 654 Primary Highway Freight System miles plus 256 miles of other designated connectors. The Milwaukee metro area contains a concentration of these freight corridor miles, many intersecting the city and fanning outward across Milwaukee County's logistics hubs. With this proliferation of freight traffic, collisions become statistically more likely on select Milwaukee-area highways just by the increased truck volumes present. Understanding Wisconsin's freight infrastructure provides perspective on exposure risks.
National Highway Freight Network Mileages in Wisconsin
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, in Wisconsin, the Primary Highway Freight System is 654.42 miles compared to 256.27 miles of non-PHFS interstate. Wisconsin has 1.57% of the total roads considered PHFS in the US.
The nationwide network PHFS consists of 41,799 centerline miles total.
| State | PHFS (miles) | Non-PHFS interstate (miles) | Percent of PHFS in State Total PHFS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 654.42 | 256.27 | 1.57% |
NHFN Roadways in Wisconsin
The National Highway Freight Network consists of four subsystem classifications for critical freight infrastructure. Approximately 654 Primary Highway Freight System (PHFS) miles across Wisconsin form the backbone. PHFS includes the most vital highways for national freight mobility. An additional 256 Other Interstate miles not on the PHFS provide key connections. Beyond highways, Critical Rural and Urban Freight Corridors (CRFCs/CUFCs) represent public roads linking freight hubs and intermodal facilities to the PHFS and Interstate network. These four subsystems span roughly 50,000 miles nationally, with Wisconsin containing over 900 total NHFN miles. Understanding the freight system makeup spotlights the most concentrated freight traffic zones to monitor for safety.
National Highway Freight Network Routes in Wisconsin:
| Route No/Facility Name | Start Point | End Point | Route Type | Length (Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I43 | 190 | 1894 | PHFS | 60.63 |
| I43 | I41 | Pioneer Rd | PHFS | 23.02 |
| I90 | I94 | I39 | PHFS | 63.2 |
| I39 | I90 | IL/WI Line | PHFS | 78.7 |
| I94 | I43 | I90 | PHFS | 103.04 |
| I94 | I90 | WI/MN Line | PHFS | 148.36 |
| S 43rd St | S59 | Oklahoma Ave | PHFS | 2.25 |
| S172 | I41 | Webster Ave | PHFS | 2.87 |
| S441 | U41 | Racine ST | PHFS | 1.37 |
| S175/Brewers Blvd | S59 | I94 | PHFS | 0.87 |
| U14 | S Gammon Rd | U151 | PHFS | 3.2 |
| U151 | U14 | U18 | PHFS | 2.72 |
| U18 | U151 | I90 | PHFS | 6.12 |
| I41 | IL/WI Line | I43 | PHFS | 142.11 |
| WI10P - Port of Milwaukee #3 | I94 | Port of Milwaukee #3 | PHFS | 1.42 |
| WI11P - Port of Green Bay #1 | WI12P | Port of Green Bay #1 | PHFS | 1.42 |
| WI12P - Port of Green Bay #2 | WI13P | Port of Green Bay #2 | PHFS | 2.21 |
| WI13P - Port of Green Bay #3 | S172 | Port of Green Bay #3 | PHFS | 4.32 |
| WI13A - General Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee | I94 | General Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee | PHFS | 2.92 |
| WI8P - Port of Milwaukee #1 | WI10P | Port of Milwaukee #1 | PHFS | 2.61 |
| WI9P - Port of MIlwaukee #2 | WI10P | Port of Milwaukee #2 | PHFS | 1.03 |
| I39 | I90 | S29 | PHFS | 103.47 |
Trucking Accident Causes in Wisconsin
Driver Fatigue
Distracted Driving
Alcohol and Drugs
Speeding and Overtaking
Poor Training and Maintenance
Improper Cargo Loading
Alcohol and Drugs in Trucking Accidents
According to a study featured in Reuters Health, findings revealed that 30% of truck drivers acknowledged using amphetamines while on duty, with 20% admitting to marijuana use and 3% to cocaine consumption. These substances not only artificially maintain drivers' alertness but also lead them to engage in riskier behaviors such as increased speed, hazardous lane changes, and daring maneuvers in adverse weather conditions. As the effects of these stimulants start to subside, there is a heightened likelihood of drivers experiencing drowsiness and potentially falling asleep while operating their vehicles
Found More than 51% Liable? You Won’t Be Awarded Damages
Wisconsin's modified comparative fault rule operates as follows: When a plaintiff shares some degree of responsibility for an accident, their compensation would be proportionally diminished by the extent of their fault. However, in Wisconsin, if the plaintiff is found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, they are ineligible to recover any damages. This means that even if the accident primarily resulted from the actions of the truck or its driver if it can be established that you had the opportunity to prevent the accident but failed to do so—due to behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or other actions that could have contributed to or averted the accident—your compensation would be adjusted according to the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Our Milwaukee Truck Accident Lawyers Fight for YOU
Our Milwaukee Truck Accident Lawyers are your biggest advocates and fight for your rights. We are not afraid to take your case to trial when necessary, and we approach every legal battle with an aggressive and determined mindset. Rest assured that we will vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve, leaving no stone unturned in seeking justice on your behalf. When you choose Warshafsky Law Firm, you have a team of dedicated professionals committed to your cause, ready to take assertive action to secure your best interests.
