Each year about 400,000 medium and heavy trucks are involved in accidents. Approximately 5500 people are killed and 175,000 injured as a result of these accidents. There are many interrelated factors which contribute to the cause of truck accidents and their consequences. This report: identifies the key vehicle related factors contributing to truck accidents (braking and handling/stability) and to the resulting fatalities and injuries. It also identifies the programs and needs of enforcement agencies responsible for assuring compliance with traffic laws by commercial motor vehicle drivers; summarises facts about these issues; describes actions that can be taken in some areas to make near-term improvements; and presents research agendas for acquiring information to develop solutions to the longer term issues in the remaining areas. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting