Investigation of Factors Associated with Truck Crash Severity in Nebraska

The severity of truck crashes is a concern in the state of Nebraska. This study was undertaken to investigate factors associated with the severity of truck crashes. A two-year dataset obtained from the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) was analyzed to determine those factors. Results indicated that the involvement of alcohol was associated with more severe injuries in truck crashes on Nebraska highways. Crashes involving farm equipment were more injurious than other truck crashes. Dawn and dusk were critical periods associated with more severe truck crashes. Further, the absence of medians contributed to truck crash severity. Crashes on adverse pavement conditions such as snow, ice, and slush were less severe in comparison to crashes on pavements of different conditions. Crashes reported on local roads were less severe compared to those reported on other highways. The researchers recommend strengthening the ongoing focus on reducing driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as an in-depth investigation of truck crashes involving farm equipment. The researchers also recommend provision of medians on roadways, where possible.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

  Department of Civil Engineering, Nebraska Hall
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68588-0531

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Khattak, Aemal
  • Luo, Zheng
  • Gao, Miao
• Publication Date: 2012-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 34p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash characteristics; Crash investigation; Crash severity; Drunk driving; Truck crashes; Trucking safety
• Geographic Terms: Nebraska
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01380292
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 25-1121-0001-104, Report # MATC-UNL: 104
• Files: UTC, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 21 2012 8:50AM