Study of Light Truck Aggressivity

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Study of Light Truck Aggressivity

K. W. Terhune / T. A. Ranney / T. E. Smist / R. A. Woodill

The objectives of this study were to determine: (a) whether light trucks are more aggressive (prone to produce damage and injury) than passenger cars in multivehicle collisions, and if so, why; and (b) whether light truck occupants are less likely to sustain injury than are passenger car occupants. Data analyzed were from the Fatal Accident Reporting System (1979) and National Crash Severity Study (1977-1979). Analyses of fatal and nonfatal injury rates and vehicle damage data indicated that light trucks are more aggressive than passenger cars. Vehicle weight appeared to be the main aggressivity factor in effecting injuries, while structural factors appeared more relevant to effecting vehicle damage. Clinical case examinations suggested that light truck bumper heights may be associated with override and occupant injury. Recommendations concerning reduction of aggressivity effects were made. As to light truck occupants, the evidence indicated they were less likely to be injured than passenger car occupants in similar crashes.