COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN COLLISIONS INVOLVING VEHICLES PARKED OR STOPPED ON HIGHWAY SHOULDERS
The purpose of this report is to highlight the problems which contribute to highway shoulder accidents and recommend possible solutions. Of the 58 accidents investigated, negligent and non emergency parking of vehicles, by both commercial and non-commercial drivers accounted for 21% of the accidents. Drivers dozing at the wheel and allowing their vehicles to travel onto the paved shoulders of the highways accounted for 53% of the accidents. Highway shoulders are intended for use by motorists in emergency situations only, and generally for short periods of time. The study notes that drivers did not awaken in most cases until the collision occurred with the parked vehicle. There were no tire markings until impact which indicates that brake application was not made by the driver prior to collision. The use of rumble strips might be considered on road shoulders thus giving the motorist an audible sound When he leaves the traveled lane of the roadway. The report recommends that a "rumble effect" be studied as a means of alerting dozing drivers. Adequate signing and mapping that provides adequate information about rest areas is necessary. Additional pedestrian advisory information by signing or other means is also recommended.
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Corporate Authors:
Federal Highway Administration
Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 - Publication Date: 1977-6-16
Media Info
- Features: Photos; Tables;
- Pagination: 22 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Commercial vehicles; Crash investigation; Driver records; Drivers; Fatigue (Physiological condition); Highway safety; Noise; Parking; Road shoulders; Rumble strips; Traffic crashes
- Uncontrolled Terms: Motor vehicle accidents
- Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00173228
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Apr 26 1978 12:00AM