Accident tests with a view to the analysis of and further development in the safety of road transport tankers.

In an experimental study, accident tests were carried out with trucks and tank vehicles. In accordance with the most common and critical combinations in actual accidents, trucks impacted in six simulations against the rear or the side of stationary tank semitrailer train at a speed of between 22 and 51 km/h. In another simulation, a tank semitrailer train fell onto its side at a speed of approximately 30km/h. In the test evaluations made up until now, special emphasis was placed on time sequences in the crash phases and when overturning, as well as on causes, development and scope of damages - especially to tanks and tanker vehicles. Findings on the current development level and the possibilities for further development of tanker vehicles safety are included in the results of the study. These first concrete accident tests with trucks and tanker vehicles offer a basis for further tests and clarify the considerable need for research in this field. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 837684.