In this study crash types were analyzed for a 50 percent sample of the 3,178 fatal truck-car crashes from the 1993 Fatal Accident Reporting System. Odds ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals were estimated for potential risk factors. The most common crash types were "oncoming" (head-on) and "ran traffic control" (vehicle required to stop or yield fails to do so). Both crash types accounted for 61 percent of crashes, and typically occurred on undivided roads. Slippery roads and curves were significant risk factors for "oncoming" crashes. The next most common crash types were "stop/stopping" (stopped or slowing vehicle is struck from behind), "run down" (vehicle strikes another vehicle moving in same direction at moving in same direction at unimpeded speed), and "lane change" (vehicle moves into an already occupied lane). These three crash types occurred significantly more often on divided roads. Darkness was a significant risk factor for "stop/stopping" and "run down" crashes. The results from the study suggest that emphasis should be placed on reducing the tendency of the fronts of trucks to inflict injuries on occupants of other vehicles.
Samenvatting