For many people, a growing economy is a good thing. A recession is a threat. They know that the economy goes up and down over time, but they naturally want to see healthy growth from year to year. It makes them feel more secure in their jobs. It shows that money is changing hands properly. It makes the country seem strong, prosperous and successful.
That said, there are some downsides to a growing economy. With the recession that started back in 2008/2009 now in the rearview mirror, you have to ask yourself if you could be in more danger on America’s roads thanks to the economic growth.
Truck accidents
The danger lies in semitrucks. These massive vehicles make extensive use of the highway system. Just like any other vehicles, they are subject to human error and can get involved in accidents. Unlike other vehicles, though, their size means they disproportionately endanger the other drivers.
Some of the latest statistics show that trucks cover about 175 billion miles per year in the United States. Every mile is a chance for an accident.
At the same time, the statistics indicate that about 68% of the goods that move around the United States every year spend at least some time on a truck. It’s our main mode of commercial transportation. Every year, trucks move about 60,000 pounds per person. With a population moving toward 329 million, the United States sees more and more goods move every year.
Many of these goods are building materials and agricultural products. Those are the two commodities that, by weight, make up the bulk of the shipping.
Internet shopping also has an impact. As people continue to buy things online more often, it means they make more purchases from other states or other countries. These goods have to get to their front door quickly, and trucks make it happen.
The economy
As you can imagine, the state of the economy plays a huge role here. A healthy economy means that businesses are thriving. They need goods, parts and materials. It also means people have more to spend, so they make more personal purchases. People who may have put off major decisions — like building a home — when the economy was down are now back in the game. Those building supplies have to move somehow.
All of this means there is more demand for semis, more trucks on the roads and more drivers working long hours. All of that adds up to a greater risk for truck accidents.
Your options
What should you do if you get injured in an accident? You could find yourself facing serious medical bills and other costs, and you need to know what options you have in Kentucky.