HEAVY TRUCK OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Ejection, cab crush and interior component contact (primarily the steering assembly) are identified as the primary causes of fatalities among heavy-truck occupants. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the body of previous studies and reports dealing with data on heavy-truck accidents; an analysis of a number of computerized accident data files; and a review of the literature and past experience dealing with automotive and other transportation vehicle crashworthiness and related test procedures. Three countermeasure areas were identified as having the maximum potential for reducing truck occupant fatalities. These include increased restraint usage, improvement of the cab structure and improvements to the steering assembly. A testing program is proposed to gather basic information related to each of these countermeasure areas.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Mergel, J
• Publication Date: 1982-12

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Countermeasures; Crashes; Data analysis; Ejection; Fatalities; Heavy vehicles; Mathematical analysis; Restraint systems; Steering columns; Structural design; Trucks
• Old TRIS Terms: Occupant restraint
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00380573
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt., HS-806 368
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 1984 12:00AM