Heavy Truck Involvement in Traffic Accidents and Related Countermeasures

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Heavy Truck Involvement in Traffic Accidents and Related Countermeasures

J. G. Pigman / K. R. Agent

The objectives of this research study were to conduct a detailed analysis of truck accidents and recommend countermeasures to reduce the number and severity of this type of accident. Police reports for fatal accidents in which a truck was involved were reviewed for the period 1994 through 1997. Each accident report was reviewed and classified into types of accidents and causative factor categories. The most common accident involved another vehicle crossing the centerline into the path of a truck. The primary causative factor was related to the actions of the other driver, rather than the truck driver, in nearly two-thirds of the accidents. Countermeasures were recommended to reduce specific types of accidents. Locations were identified with the highest number of specific types of accidents and case studies were conducted to offer recommended solutions. Data from a weigh-in-motion site on US 23 in Lawrence County was analyzed and summarized to show the pattern of loads being carried by coal trucks in eastern Kentucky. Results were used to offer data which could support revisions to the current weight limits for the Extended-Weight Coal Haul Road System for combination truks and to develop an enforcement mechanism which could improve compliance. Data summarized by the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Vehicle Enforcement was also collected and summarized to show the results of commercial vehicle inspections and the adjudication process for citations issued. Recommendations were made to reduce the number and severity of truck accidents. They included countermeasures relating to the vehicle, roadway, and driver.