The objectives of this project were to establish the causal factors contributing to the high level of fatalities and serious injuries arising from crashes involving heavy vehicle and other road users and identify possible countermeasures. In Europe, truck involved crashes make up an estimated 25% (13,000 fatalities per annum) of all road deaths, while the corresponding figure in Australia is 18%. Of these, 80% are `other road users'. This report details the findings and recommendations regarding collisions of cars and other road users with the front and side structures of heavy vehicles. This study has included a detailed literature review and detailed investigations of over 52 crashes involving 45 fatalities, including crashes of trams and buses with cars. The study has identified that design changes are both feasible and effective, and that the frontal, side, and rear design of trucks can be significantly improved to reduce the harm potential in crashes involving other road users. Recommendations for improvements to the design of trucks, trams and buses are made. Overall, the improvements to the frontal and side design of heavy vehicles in Australia would lead to estimated annual savings in the order of 60 lives, and a 28% reduction in injury severity for crashes.
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