Results from previously published studies and analyses of selected automated accident data files were combined to determine what percentage of heavy truck accidents involve significant injury to truck occupants, and which subsets are amenable to application of occupant crash protection technology. Based upon analyses of DOT's FARS data and the state files of Texas and Michigan, rollovers and frontal impacts were chosen for further study. Rollovers exhibit a relatively high likelihood of severe vehicle damage and serious injuries, while frontal impacts occur at all severities. Details of injury causation were provided by analyses of the CPIR-B heavy truck file, which was recoded for the study. Consistent with previous studies of heavy truck injury causation, the primary injury sources were identified as ejection, entrapment, and contact with the steering assembly. Relative to injured drivers of other vehicle types, heavy truck occupants were found to be more prone to multiple injuries, resulting in part from the multiple-impact nature of heavy truck accidents. Approaches to improved occupant crash protection are discussed. Recommendations are made for the development of useable restraint systems as a first priority in countermeasure development. Specific information needs are identified and recommendations for collection of in-depth accident and engineering test data are presented.
Abstract