According to a new analysis from Angel Reyes & Associates, localized issues such as roadway congestion, infrastructure limitations and traffic violence continue to create challenging driving environments despite encouraging national trends reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To better understand those localized risks, researchers evaluated 100 major U.S. metropolitan areas using a new Total Road Rage Score (TRRS), which measures factors such as reckless driving, infrastructure inefficiencies, commuter dissatisfaction, and traffic violence.

Houston Led the Rankings

Houston received the highest Total Road Rage Score at 64.15, making it the highest-ranked metropolitan area in the study. Researchers attributed the city’s ranking to a combination of aggressive driving behavior and the highest level of highway shooting incidents included in the analysis.

Houston also recorded the highest Shooting Score at 36 out of 100, which the study used to measure how frequently roadway confrontations escalate into gun violence. Researchers said those findings demonstrate that aggressive driving in some cities extends well beyond speeding, tailgating and unsafe lane changes.

Congestion Played a Major Role in Several Cities

Los Angeles ranked second overall with a Total Road Rage Score of 63.25, although the factors driving its ranking differed from those of Houston.

Rather than traffic violence, Los Angeles stood out because of severe congestion and commuter frustration. The city received an 88 out of 100 for commute dissatisfaction and infrastructure inefficiency, one of the highest individual scores in the study. Researchers concluded that prolonged traffic congestion and inefficient roadway design can increase frustration behind the wheel and create conditions where aggressive driving becomes more common.

Chicago ranked third with a score of 56.35, followed by Nashville at 56.23 and Miami at 56.15. According to the report, rapid population growth in both Chicago and Nashville has placed increasing pressure on existing transportation infrastructure, contributing to more stressful driving conditions.

Road Rage Risk Varies Significantly by Region

While several major metropolitan areas received high scores, researchers found that other cities presented far fewer risk factors.

Lincoln, Nebraska, posted the lowest Total Road Rage Score at 1.50, followed by Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at 5.00. Those cities ranked well because of lower congestion levels, more efficient roadway design and driving environments that were less likely to encourage confrontations between motorists.

The study suggests national crash statistics do not always reflect what drivers experience locally. Although NHTSA data points to improving fatality trends across the country, roadway conditions, traffic volume and driver behavior can vary dramatically from one metropolitan area to another.

Why the Findings Matter for Truck Drivers

Professional truck drivers routinely travel through many of the cities included in the analysis, often during peak traffic periods when congestion and impatient motorists become more common.

Heavy traffic, frequent lane changes, and stop-and-go conditions can increase the likelihood of encountering aggressive drivers, particularly in large metropolitan areas where roadway capacity struggles to keep pace with traffic demand. Allowing additional travel time through heavily congested cities, maintaining adequate following distance, and avoiding interactions with aggressive motorists remain some of the most effective ways for truck drivers to reduce their exposure to road rage situations.

The authors of the study believe improving roadway infrastructure and reducing congestion will be essential to lowering road rage risks in the future, arguing that meaningful safety improvements will require both better transportation planning and a clearer understanding of the localized conditions drivers encounter every day.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 19, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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Recall Details

The recall affects certain model year 2027 Wabash Van Trailers. NHTSA said the external ABS malfunction indicator light may not be labeled as required by FMVSS No. 121, resulting in noncompliance with the federal safety standard for air brake systems.

Remedy

Wabash will mail owners an ABS identification label and installation instructions free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Sept. 26, 2026. Owners with questions may contact Wabash customer service at 1-765-771-5404.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Wabash Recalls 553 Van Trailers Over Missing ABS Indicator Label appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Federal Rules Treat Heavy Trucks Differently

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 sets occupant-protection requirements according to vehicle type and weight. Passenger vehicles must meet automatic frontal-protection requirements that led to widespread airbag use, while heavier commercial vehicles are covered by different provisions and are not universally required to have frontal airbags.

That regulatory difference reflects the fact that a highway tractor is not simply an oversized passenger vehicle. Its cab, frame, seating position and intended operating weight create a different set of crashworthiness questions. NHTSA has studied heavy-truck cab integrity, driver injuries and possible countermeasures separately from passenger-vehicle occupant protection.

Seat Belts Remain the Main Restraint

A front airbag is considered a supplemental restraint, not a substitute for a seat belt. NHTSA states that airbags work best when occupants are properly seated and buckled, since the belt controls body movement while the airbag helps reduce contact with the steering wheel or interior.

That relationship matters in a truck cab, where seating position and belt use affect how any additional restraint system performs. Even trucks equipped with frontal or side airbags still depend on the driver wearing the seat belt correctly.

Some Class 8 Trucks Already Have Airbags

Airbags are not absent from heavy-duty trucking. Freightliner has offered steering-wheel airbags and optional rollover-protection seating systems on certain trucks, while Volvo says it was the first North American manufacturer to offer a driver front airbag in a heavy truck.

The latest Volvo VNL expands that approach with frontal and side-curtain protection, automatic emergency features tied to airbag deployment and other active and passive safety systems. Volvo also announced that its integrated side-curtain airbag would become standard equipment, showing that airbag adoption is increasing on selected models even though it remains inconsistent across the market.

Suspension Air Bags Serve a Different Purpose

The airbags beneath a tractor or trailer are not occupant restraints. They are flexible air springs used by the suspension to support weight and control ride height. Air-ride seats also use compressed air for comfort, but neither system is designed to deploy during a collision.

Occupant airbags contain sensors, inflators, and control systems intended to respond during specific crash conditions. The shared terminology confuses, but the systems perform unrelated jobs.

Airbags Are Only Part of Truck Safety

Newer trucks increasingly combine passive protection with systems intended to prevent or reduce crashes. Depending on the model, that equipment can include automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control, lane assistance and collision mitigation.

Most semi trucks do not have front airbags because heavy trucks developed under different federal requirements and design priorities, not because airbags cannot be used in a commercial cab. Their gradual appearance on newer models shows that the technology is becoming another available layer of protection, while seat belts remain essential regardless of the equipment installed.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 10, 2026

The post Why Semi Trucks Don’t Use Airbags Like Passenger Vehicles appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recalls involve certain 2026- and 2027-model-year vehicles from Volvo, Peterbilt, and Kenworth.

Volvo Recall Covers Nearly 3,800 Trucks

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling 3,794 trucks, including certain 2026-model-year VHD, VNL, VNR, VN, and VAH vehicles.

The recall addresses steering knuckles that may have been manufactured with steering arms that were not tightened to the required specification. NHTSA says a loose steering arm could result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Volvo dealers will inspect the steering arm fasteners and tighten them as needed at no cost to owners.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning September 7. Drivers and fleet owners can also check whether a vehicle is included by searching its VIN on the NHTSA recall website.

Peterbilt and Kenworth Tractors Also Recalled

PACCAR has also announced a recall involving eight tractors consisting of certain 2026 and 2027 Peterbilt 579 models and 2027 Kenworth T680 models.

According to NHTSA, the affected tractors may have an incorrectly installed quick-release valve within the trailer air brake system. If installed improperly, the valve could cause trailer instability after the brakes are applied, preventing the vehicles from meeting federal air brake safety standards.

Unlike the Volvo recall, PACCAR reports that all affected tractors have already been inspected and repaired. Because the repairs were completed before delivery or customer notification, owner notification letters will not be issued.

What Drivers Should Do

Drivers operating affected Volvo models should watch for recall notifications and schedule the free inspection with an authorized dealer if their truck is included. Fleet managers can also verify affected vehicles by checking VINs through the NHTSA recall database.

Although the Peterbilt and Kenworth recall involved only a small number of tractors, drivers with questions can still contact their manufacturer for additional information.

As with any safety recall, addressing the issue promptly helps reduce the risk of mechanical failures that could affect vehicle control or braking performance.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 23, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Volvo, Peterbilt, and Kenworth Recalls Affect More Than 3,800 Commercial Trucks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Volvo Trucks Recall Details

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain 2026–2027 VNR (4) and 2025–2027 VNL (4) vehicles. The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short-circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). The recall impacts 2,800 trucks.

Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 22. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks’ customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks’ number for this recall is RVXX2605. Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Mack Trucks Recall Details

Mack Trucks Inc. is recalling certain 2025–2027 Pioneer (4) and 2026–2027 Anthem (4) vehicles. The rear brake modulators may have unprotected electrical connectors that can short-circuit and lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). The recall impacts 2,337 trucks.

Dealers will inspect the rear brake modulator electrical connectors, install a protective cover, and replace the rear brake modulators, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 22. Owners may contact Mack’s customer service at 1-800-866-1177. Mack’s number for this recall is SC0494. Vehicle Identification Numbers involved in this recall are searchable on NHTSA.gov.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated May 7, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Over 5,000 Volvo and Mack Trucks Recalled for ABS and Stability Control Issues appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

If those numbers hold, it would mark the 15th straight quarterly decline and stand as one of the largest drops recorded under the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

More Travel, Fewer Fatalities

What makes the data stand out is that the decline comes at a time when travel is increasing. Preliminary figures from the Federal Highway Administration show more vehicle miles traveled, not less.

Even with that added volume, fatalities still moved lower. The decrease was not isolated either. It showed up across most of the country, with 39 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, reporting fewer deaths.

Where Officials Are Pointing

Federal agencies have tied the shift to a mix of enforcement and broader safety efforts. Increased coordination with law enforcement has been a key part of that approach, along with targeting high-risk driving behaviors.

“In the past year alone, we’ve partnered with our incredible law enforcement officers to get dangerous foreign truck drivers off the roads and educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and driving without a seat belt,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.

There has also been attention on identifying unqualified drivers and keeping them off the road.

Continued Focus on Behavior

Alongside enforcement, agencies continue to push messaging around behaviors that lead to serious crashes. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to wear a seat belt remain consistent factors in fatal incidents.

“NHTSA is doing our part by doubling down on safety strategies that reduce risky driving behaviors before they cost lives,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.

What the Numbers Suggest

These are still estimates, but the direction is clear. Fatalities are trending down even as traffic levels rise. That combination points to changes in how safety is being managed and enforced.

Whether that trend continues will depend on how those efforts hold up over time, especially with more vehicles on the road and ongoing pressure on the system.

The post Highway Safety Improves as Fatal Crash Numbers Drop Across the U.S. appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Which International Trucks Are Impacted?

International Motors LLC has listed several popular models across a wide range of years. If you’re running one of these, it’s worth taking a closer look:

• 2016–2023 Lonestar
  • 2018 8600
  • 2018–2023 LT
  • 2021–2026 MV
  • 2022–2023 RH
  • 2023–2026 HX
  • 2025–2026 HV

The problem stems from electrical noise and low signal strength on the power line carrier. When that happens, the ECU may misread commands or stop working altogether, something no driver wants to happen mid-run.

What’s Causing the Issue?

The power line carrier isn’t consistently delivering a strong enough signal. That interference can confuse the ECU or interrupt it, leading to incorrect responses. Drivers may notice unusual behavior in systems tied to ECU communication, though the recall does not list specific alerts or warnings.

How International Plans to Fix It

International is teaming up with Bendix to reprogram the ECU software at no cost to owners. This fix will address the electrical noise and low signal issues that can cause the ECU to misread commands or stop working. Owner letters are expected to go out Jan. 19, 2026, and drivers can reach International customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with any questions. The recall number is 25525. Drivers can confirm whether their truck is included by searching VINs connected to this recall through NHTSA’s database. By completing this reprogramming, the company aims to ensure trucks operate safely and reliably, preventing ECU-related problems on the road.

Source: The Trucker

The post International Issues Recall on 600+ Trucks: What Drivers Need to Know appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both manufacturers have reported specific lighting failures that may lead to safety risks.

Mack Recall: Headlight Malfunction on Granite Models

Mack Trucks is recalling 2024–2025 Granite models equipped with LED headlights after finding that the lights may fail over time. The recall impacts 8,857 trucks, and dealers will replace the headlights at no charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 2, 2026. Drivers can contact Mack customer service at 1-800-866-1177 or check their VIN on NHTSA.gov. The recall reference number is SC0485.

Volvo Recall: Roof Marker Light Issue on New VN Models

Volvo Trucks North America is recalling certain 2025–2026 New VN trucks due to roof center marker lights that may fail to illuminate. This issue means affected vehicles do not meet federal lighting standards under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

A total of 3,124 trucks are affected. Dealers will replace the roof marker light free of charge, and owner notification letters are also expected to be mailed January 2, 2026.

Drivers can contact Volvo customer service at 800-528-6586 for details. The recall number for this issue is RVXX2509, and VINs can be verified at NHTSA.gov.

What Drivers Should Know

If you’re driving one of these Mack Granite or Volvo New VN models, it’s worth checking your VIN right away. Lighting issues aren’t just about visibility, they can lead to inspection violations and downtime if not addressed quickly.

Both manufacturers are covering all repair costs through authorized dealers once the recall service begins.

Stay Ahead of Safety Notices

Staying informed about recalls helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and compliance issues. Regularly checking your VIN through NHTSA.gov ensures you catch updates early and keep your rig in safe working order. Keeping up with recall alerts is one of the best ways to protect your truck, your schedule, and your safety on the road.

Source: The Trucker

The post Mack and Volvo Recall Nearly 12,000 Trucks Over Lighting Issues appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This move adds another layer of protection for drivers and passengers, particularly in rollover crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollovers account for nearly half of all truck occupant fatalities, making them one of the deadliest types of accidents on the road.

Building on a Legacy of Safety

Volvo’s reputation for safety leadership isn’t new. In 1996, the company introduced the driver-front airbag in its VN model and immediately made it standard across the lineup. Today, with side curtain airbags designed to deploy in the event of a rollover, Volvo continues that legacy by offering technology that helps minimize injuries in the most severe crash situations.

Magnus Koeck, Vice President of Strategy, Branding, and Marketing at Volvo Trucks, emphasized that safety is at the heart of everything the company does.

“We have always been the safety leader, and we will always be the safety leader,” Koeck said. “We will never compromise on safety. We’re putting active safety and passive safety at the top of our list.”

Leading the Industry Once Again

With this announcement, Volvo becomes the first heavy-truck manufacturer to make side curtain airbags a standard feature across all its models. The company has a long track record of pioneering safety advancements in heavy-duty trucks, from introducing high-strength steel cabs to implementing electronic stability control. More recently, Volvo was also the first to equip trucks with an automatic emergency call system that directly connects to 911 after airbag deployment.

What It Means for Drivers

For professional drivers, these standard safety upgrades translate into more confidence behind the wheel. Rollovers can happen in an instant, often with devastating consequences. By making side curtain airbags standard, Volvo is reducing risks in a way that could save countless lives and injuries on the road.

The decision reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to driver protection and reinforces why Volvo remains a leader in heavy-duty truck safety.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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The Recall Details

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is recalling select trucks due to a reduced brake performance safety concern. Approximately 68 vehicles are impacted by this recall.

According to the NHTSA, the recall includes specific 2025 models of the following trucks:

• Freightliner 114SD
• Freightliner Business Class M2
• Freightliner Cascadia
• Western Star 49X

The issue arises from insufficient air tank capacity, which affects the vehicle’s braking power. This discrepancy means the trucks do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, which governs “Air Brake Systems.”

Resolution Plan

DTNA is currently working on a fix for this problem. Interim notification letters will be mailed to vehicle owners on July 6, explaining the potential safety risks associated with this issue. A follow-up notification will be sent once a proven remedy is available.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own one of the recalled vehicles, you can contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-547-0712 for more information about the recall (reference recall number F1019). You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or visit their website at nhtsa.gov.

Stay informed and take action to ensure safety on the road!

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: Freightliner

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