Never mind the length, just watch the safety and manoeuvrability

This article discusses the road safety and handling of longer truck-trailer combinations, set against the economic benefits they offer. Statistics indicate that fuel consummation per cubic metre of load is reduced, and thereby carbon emissions. The author feels, however, that issues of public acceptability and safety arise. Longer vehicles cause greater disturbance to residents and more time is needed to overtake them: higher trunk road speed limits might offset this. Manoeuvrability, especially in cornering, should be ensured by preserving existing requirements for minimum turning corridor. Some long semi-trailers are still stable because the centre of gravity is further forward and more weight is carried by the tractive unit. A towed trailer, by comparison, transmits no roll sensation to the driver for correction. Modern combinations of an articulated vehicle towing a trailer have been found not to transmit trailer roll, side-wind or snaking, which could be dangerous. The author concludes that certain longer combinations could be used, improving intermodality with rail and providing economic benefit.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Authors:
  • DICKSON-SIMPSON, J
• Publication Date: 2007-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 16-7
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Driving; Length; Safety; Trailers; Trucks; Turning traffic
• Uncontrolled Terms: Articulated vehicles
• ITRD Terms: 1225: Articulated vehicle; 9011: Design (overall design); 6488: Length; 1236: Lorry; 1665: Safety; 1203: Trailer; 1836: Turning; 1646: Vehicle handling
• Subject Areas: Design; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01051165
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jun 11 2007 1:33PM