In this poster, it is pointed out that safety belts have been mandatory even in heavy trucks in Germany since 1992. Although manufacturers have been equipping trucks with suitable belts for years in accordance with the licensing regulations, until now only very few occupants of heavy trucks (estimated at less than 5%) actually use the fitted safety belts. Accidents in Germany involving trucks clearly point out a benefit of restraint systems. Therefore, 109 accidents involving trucks (maximum permitted weight over 7.5 t) were investigated in-depth. A relevant scenario involving the collision of a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1853, with a mass of 7.2 t and at a speed of 30 km/h, against the rear end of a trailer platform with a mass of 21 t, was simulated in a crash test. The biomechanical loadings acting upon the occupants were measured by means of two Hybrid III dummies (50th percentile male). The dummy in the driver's seat was restrained with the safety belt, whilst the co-driver's seat was occupied by a not belted dummy. The results of the crash test showed the effectiveness of the safety belt in reducing injury.
Abstract