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20% of Commercial Collisions Happen Under 5 mph

Some 20% of recorded collisions and 12% of recorded near-collisions in commercial fleets occur at speeds below 5 mph, according to new research from Lytx.

September 4, 2019
20% of Commercial Collisions Happen Under 5 mph

Two out of every 10 collisions involving commercial vehicles with Lytx telematics devices were involved in collisions at speeds below 5 mph.

Photo via Joe Mabel/Wikimedia.

1 min to read


Some 20% of recorded collisions and 12% of recorded near-collisions in commercial fleets occur at speeds below 5 mph, according to new research from Lytx, a global provider of video telematics, analytics and safety solutions for commercial and public sector fleets.

Slow speed collisions appear to be the biggest crash hazard for commercial fleets.

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The new data shows that on average, commercial drivers are involved in collisions 3.8 times more often at speeds below 5 mph than at any speed between 6 and 80 mph. In addition, there are twice as many near-collisions at speeds below 5 mph than at any speed between 6 and 80 mph.

Lytx notes that the finding align with figures from the National Safety Council (NSC) indicating more than 50,000 collisions occur in parking lots and garage structures annually — resulting in 500 or more fatalities and over 60,000 injuries.

The Lytx study also explored risky driver behaviors during crash or near-crash evens that occur under 5 mph. The findings indicate that improper mirror use was the top associated risk factor, followed by driving without a seatbelt and handheld cellphone use on the part of the driver.

The data also showed that drivers who engage in one potentially risky behavior are often found engaging in others simultaneously.

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