The analysis provides a survey of heavy freight vehicle (HFV) populations, tonne-kilometres and accident involvement in different European countries. The official data on HFV-accidents, in most cases based on police investigations, do not include the variety of variables required to justify measures to reduce the number of accidents of this vehicle category. Answers to this type of question may be found through at scene accident investigations. In the field of passive and active safety, especially as regards freight vehicles, intensive research and development work has been carried out during the last few years. Substantial results from this work are included in national and international Regulations (EEC, ECE (Economic Commission for Europe)). Some measures in the regulations are considered as standard equipment as e.g. the rear underride protection. Other measures are still at the stage of development and/or introduction, e.g. the ALS (anti-lock braking), the equipment with safety belts, the equipment with additional mirrors. A third series of measures are under discussion, such as the introduction of lateral underride protection devices.
Abstract