Of the 41,059 motor vehicle fatalities in 2007, 12 % or 4,808 died in crashes that involved a large truck, but, only 17% of those fatalities were occupants of large trucks. Although large trucks contributed to only 3% of registered vehicles and 7% of vehicle miles travelled in the last 5 years, their impact in terms of severity proves to be a major concern especially for non-truck vehicle occupants. Fatal crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) was used to study this issue and to identify factors contributing to truck-involved crashes. Driver, vehicle, and crash-related contributory factors were identified, and the likelihood of occurrence of these factors in truck-involved crashes with respect to non-truck crashes was evaluated using the Bayesian Statistical approach. The most critical factors showed that likelihood ratios for factors like stopped or unattended vehicles, improper following, defective brake system, and vehicle being set in motion by a non-driver have greater probability of occurrence in truck crashes than in non-truck crashes Several other factors such as cellular usage, inattentiveness, and failure to obey traffic rules have been identified as more likely contributory factors for fatal truck crashes. By addressing these factors through the implementation of appropriate remedial measures, the overall truck crash rate can be reduced, which can help in improving overall safety of the transportation system.
Comparison of Contributory Causes of Fatal Truck and Non-Truck Crashes Using Bayesian Statistical Analysis
First Congress of Transportation and Development Institute (TDI) ; 2011 ; Chicago, Illinois, United States
T&DI Congress 2011 ; 1330-1339
2011-03-11
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Analysis of Fatal Large Truck Crashes
NTIS | 2003
|Underride in Fatal Rear-End Truck Crashes
SAE Technical Papers | 2000
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