The report describes a study of ramp signing for trucks. The research addressed methods for treating interchange ramps that are prone to cause high center of gravity vehicles to lose control and overturn. A critical review of the pertinent literature on interchange ramp design, signing, and overturning truck accidents was conducted. A state-of-the-practice review was also conducted in 12 States. The review determined the nature and extent of the truck rollover accident problem, determined problem ramp identification procedures, and identified active and passive treatments currently being used at problem ramps. A 'design-a-sign' study was conducted using 61 professional truck drivers. The study attempted to identify critical ramp characteristics and to develop innovative procedures for effectively communicating the information to approaching drivers. A series of laboratory studies were conducted to identify the specific sign elements and the specific sign format the most effectively warn truck drivers about potentially dangerous ramps. A field test was conducted at two interchange ramps in Virginia and Maryland that had high incidences of truck rollover accidents. A truck tipping sign with activated flashing beacons was installed at the ramp and an advance warning sign was installed prior to the ramp. Control sites received no treatment. Analysis indicated that the speeds of tractor trailers, in general, and top-heavy tractor trailers, in particular, were not affected by the experimental treatments. Speeds of automobiles showed a small but statistically significant speed reduction. The project concludes that truckers have a relatively high level of understanding regarding the truck rollover problem and the meaning of the truck tipping sign.


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    RAMP FOR PICKUP TRUCKS

    BERGEN ALLAN | European Patent Office | 2017

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