LARGE TRUCKS INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASHES: THE NORTH CAROLINA DATA 1993-1997

An analysis of large, truck-involved crash outcomes in North Carolina for the period 1993-1997 was conducted for the purpose of establishing an empirical basis for subsequent North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) intervention efforts to reduce the number of fatal, truck-involved crashes. Data sources used in the analysis were the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) and North Carolina DMV crash data files. Results of the analyses suggested that GHSP truck safety efforts should give priority to tractor trailer operations on US and NC-numbered routes, to large truck operations in Interstate work one areas, to the adoption of conspicuity improvements, and to traffic engineering countermeasures associated with reducing the probability of 'angle' crashes, especially in rural areas. The recommended focus on angle crashes constitutes a much needed addition to the "No Zone" educational focus on sideswipe and rear end collisions associated with the visual limitations of large vehicle operations. The study pointed out a clear need to examine the 1998 crash data to better understand the significance of the major reversal in progress following crash reduction gains made between 1993 to 1996. The study also pointed to the need for future analyses to incorporate information on carrier and driver performance factors. Inasmuch as there are efforts ongoing with North Carolina to improve truck safety (e.g., the NC Forestry Association's 'ProLogger' Program), the study also recommends work to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs as a basis for the development of similar efforts in industries other than logging. In doing so, the study points out an obvious need for data to be gathered on the 'commodity' being transported to make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of truck safety programs in specific sub-components of the overall trucking industry.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/4682
• Corporate Authors:

  University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

  Highway Safety Research Center
  Chapel Hill, NC  United States  27599
• Authors:
  • Hughes, R G
  • Stewart, R
  • Rodgman, E
  • Martel, C
  • Pein, W
  • Lewis, L
• Publication Date: 1999-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 36 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Commodities; Countermeasures; Crash data; Fatalities; Industries; Interstate highways; Logging trucks; Motor carriers; Performance; Right angle crashes; Rural areas; Tractor trailer combinations; Traffic crashes; Traffic engineering; Truck crashes; Truck drivers; Trucking; Trucking safety; Trucks; Visibility; Work zones
• Identifier Terms: Fatal Accident Reporting System
• Uncontrolled Terms: Large trucks
• Geographic Terms: North Carolina
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00792214
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: NTL, TRIS
• Created Date: May 27 2000 12:00AM