Truck accidents have become a major issue across the country but surprisingly New York is one of the safest states.
New York ranks No. 4 nationwide for truck safety, according to a new study released by Munley Law, placing the state among the safest in the country for large-truck travel despite heavy traffic volumes and major freight corridors.
The analysis is based on 2024 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Researchers evaluated truck safety outcomes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., using eight metrics that measure both crash rates and regulatory compliance.
Those factors included fatal and nonfatal large-truck crashes per capita, fatalities involving impaired truck drivers, crashes involving unlicensed commercial drivers, and roadside inspection violations.
New York’s high ranking reflects a combination of relatively low crash rates and strong enforcement outcomes in a high-traffic environment. The state recorded 17.00 nonfatal large-truck crashes per 100,000 residents, the fourth-lowest rate nationwide.
Fatal outcomes involving large trucks were also comparatively rare. New York posted 0.51 fatal large-truck deaths per 100,000 residents, ranking eighth among all states.
Licensing compliance in the most serious crashes further contributed to the state’s performance. Fatal large-truck crashes involving drivers without a valid commercial driver’s license occurred at a rate of 0.15 per 100,000 residents, placing New York sixth nationwide.
Alcohol-related fatalities involving truck drivers were similarly low. Crashes involving a truck driver with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.05 grams per deciliter or higher occurred at a rate of 0.12 per 100,000 residents, also ranking eighth nationally.
Safety experts note that these metrics are especially notable given New York’s role as a major transportation hub in the Northeast. Multiple interstate highways funnel commercial traffic through the state year-round, connecting ports, population centers, and regional distribution networks.
Within New York, Interstate 90 was identified as the most dangerous roadway for truck accidents, recording eight fatal crashes during the study period. The route stretches across the state from Buffalo to Albany and carries a high volume of commercial traffic, particularly through upstate regions.
Nationally, several major freight corridors continue to account for a disproportionate share of fatal truck crashes. Interstate 10 recorded 122 fatal truck accidents across eight states, making it the deadliest truck route in the country. Interstate 40 followed with 101 fatalities across eight states.
Interstate 80 saw 83 fatalities across 11 states, while Interstate 95 recorded 78 fatalities across 11 states. Interstate 75 rounded out the top five most dangerous truck routes, with 62 fatalities across six states.
Researchers say states that perform well in truck safety rankings tend to show consistent enforcement of licensing requirements, lower rates of impaired driving, and fewer roadside inspection violations. Those factors can reduce both the frequency and severity of crashes when they occur.
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