AAA Study Finds Driver Error Causes a Majority of Crashes Between Cars and Heavy-Duty Trucks
More than half of all fatal crashes involving a car and a heavy-duty truck are caused by driver error, and most of those are by drivers of the cars, according to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Driving around a big truck is different from driving near a passenger car, but many motorists don't change their behavior to adjust for the difference," AAA said. Most motorists don't recognize that trucks act differently on the road than cars do, said AAA Foundation Chief Executive Officer J. Peter Kissinger, "so they think trucks can stop on a dime and change lanes quickly." The AAA study found that occupants of cars account for 98 percent of all fatalities in truck-car crashes. "These tragedies are completely preventable," Kissinger said. "When car drivers understand how trucks are different, they can make allowances for the big rigs' limitations. By adjusting their driving style, motorists can safely and confidently share the road with large vehicles." To prevent these car-truck crashes, Kissinger offered the following list of suggestions: - Never change lanes abruptly around a truck. - Slow down to let trucks have the right of way. - Drive at a safe speed. - Stay alert to traffic signals and road conditions. - Use turn signals. - Avoid driving alongside or immediately behind a truck. - Never cut in front of a truck, especially when it may need to stop. In conjunction with the release of the study, AAA is re-launching its "Share with Care" program, which is aimed at giving motorists and truck drivers practical advice about avoiding crashes. More than 5,000 people are killed and 140,000 injured each year in crashes involving a car and a heavy truck, AAA said.
More Operations

Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions
Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.
Read More →
Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
Read More →
How NOV Uses Telematics to Improve Fleet Safety Across 160 Locations
James Victory of NOV discusses how the company manages fleet safety, maintenance, and telematics across more than 150 locations supporting oilfield operations throughout the U.S.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Steven Santostasi
This edition of the Fleet Meets series features Steven Santostasi, the current TSP channel manager for Ford Pro.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →Soap Box Derby Challenge: Assembling the Crew
Meet Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel — the team helping bring this soap box derby build to life.
Read More →
BBL Fleet Acquires Velcor Leasing Corporation
BBL Fleet expanded its footprint in the fleet management industry with the acquisition of Velcor Leasing Corporation of Madison through a stock purchase agreement finalized Feb. 27, 2026.
Read More →
Lytx Introduces New AI Fleet Technologies at Protect 2026
The company introduced new AI-driven fleet safety and operations technologies during its annual user conference.
Read More →
Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding
Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.
Read More →From Waffle House to AI: Fleet Trends You Need to Know
In this AF news recap, host Faith Howell covers how Waffle House stepped up during disaster response and new AI tech on the market.
Read More →