Causes of Heavy-Duty Truck Crashes Under FMCSA Review

FMCSA Plans New Heavy-Duty Truck Crash Study

Federal Register Notice Outlines Heavy-Duty Truck Focus

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is preparing a major new study of heavy-duty truck crashes. The notice will appear in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025.

The study is part of the Crash Causal Factors Program (CCFP). Congress required this research under Section 23006 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It will focus on Class 7 and Class 8 trucks, such as tractor-trailers, cement mixers, and other large vehicles.

Why the Study Matters

The study will collect detailed data on heavy-duty truck crashes. FMCSA wants to know what factors contribute to fatal accidents. These factors may include driver behavior, vehicle condition, carrier practices, and environmental conditions.

The purpose is clear. FMCSA will use the findings to design safety programs and policies. For truck drivers, this could mean changes in how crashes are investigated and how safety risks are addressed.

How Heavy-Duty Truck Data Will Be Collected

FMCSA will gather crash data from 30 states chosen for their investigative skills, crash frequency, and geographic coverage.

The agency expects to study as many as 3,333 fatal crashes during a two-year period starting in early 2026. Other states may also contribute crash data. Serious injury crashes may be included if states choose to share them.

SafeSpect System and Heavy-Duty Truck Crash Records

Data collection will take place through FMCSA’s SafeSpect system. A new reporting module will be added to capture heavy-duty truck crash data.

The system will hold police crash reports, post-crash investigations, and reconstruction records. Inspectors will also fill out an electronic incident form within 24 to 48 hours of each crash.

Confidential interviews with truck drivers, carriers, and others involved in crashes will also be conducted. These interviews will be protected by federal confidentiality laws.

Training for Heavy-Duty Truck Crash Investigations

States taking part in the study will need to train personnel. Training will cover crash classification, data coding, and reconstruction methods.

FMCSA expects that inspectors, analysts, and crash reconstruction experts will spend thousands of hours in training and in reviewing crashes.

Impact on Truck Drivers and the Industry

This study does not create new rules yet. But the results may guide future regulations. For truck drivers and carriers, the findings could shape how safety inspections and crash investigations are handled.

The study also signals FMCSA’s intent to dig deeper into crash causes. As data is collected, truck drivers may notice more detailed investigations after serious crashes.

Next Steps for the Heavy-Duty Truck Study

The public has 60 days after publication to submit comments. FMCSA will share partial results during the study period. A final report on heavy-duty truck crashes will be published after the data is fully analyzed.