SAFETY ASPECT OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE DESIGN. PROCEEDINGS OF STRATEGIC HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM AND TRAFFIC SAFETY ON TWO CONTINENTS, GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN, 27-29 SEPTEMBER, 1989

This paper reviews developments in design to improve the safety of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in the UK. TRRL undertook a systematic programme of research, beginning in 1980 with data on and analysis of fatal HGV accidents. It was clear that the major risk was to other road users rather than the occupants of the HGV itself, though ejection was an important cause of death and injury to the HGV occupants, and restraint systems and stronger cab construction would be beneficial. Rear guards to protect car occupants in rear-end collisions, and side guards to prevent cyclists and pedestrians falling between the wheels, are now in general use. Energy-absorbing front underrun guards are now almost fully developed, and are capable of protecting the occupants of even a small car in a head-on collision up to closing speeds of 60 kph (40 mph). TRRL began experimenting with anti-lock brake systems on HGVs over 20 years ago, but these systems are only now coming into widespread use. Mandatory fitment after 1991 should improve the braking and stability of HGVs considerably. The paper concludes by discussing other aspects where the safety of HGVs might be improved.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03476030
• Corporate Authors:

  Swedish National Road and Traffic Research Institute

  Drottning Kristinas Vaeg 25
  S-11428 Stockholm,   Sweden 
• Authors:
  • Bly, P H
  • RILEY, B S
• Publication Date: 1990

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 161-176
• Serial:
  • VTI Rapport
  • Publisher: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
  • ISSN: 0347-6030

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antilock brake systems; Braking performance; Crash injury research; Crashes; Design; Ejection; Heavy vehicles; Research; Safety; Safety equipment; Vehicle cabs; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safety features
• Old TRIS Terms: Cab design
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00494081
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Traffic Research Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: 351A, HS-040 861
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1990 12:00AM