This report analyzes the root causes of the major driver factors contributing to cargo tank truck rollovers and proposes safety, management, and communication practices that can be used to minimize or eliminate driver errors in cargo tank truck operations. The research focuses on three critical areas of practice that can be quickly implemented and will have long-lasting benefits for motor carriers of all sizes across the tank truck industry. These areas of practice, examined through case studies, include (1) rollover-specific driver training and safety programs, with particular attention to a program on heavy vehicle rollover prevention from VicRoads (the state government roads authority in Victoria, Australia), the components of a good overall safety program, and tips for investigating rollovers to prevent their recurrence; (2) the use of behavior management techniques using on-board technology, direct observation (driver ride-along), training, and other tools and methods to manage driver behavior based on a survey of current technology and interviews with operators who demonstrated successful behavior management processes; and (3) the use of fitness-for-duty management practices in fatigue management, general health and wellness, scheduling and dispatching strategies, and distracted driving prevention. (Author/publisher)
Abstract