Safety aspects of heavy goods vehicle design.

This paper reviews developments in design to improve the safety of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in the UK. TRRL undertook a systematic programme of research, beginning in 1980 with data on and analysis of fatal HGV accidents. It was clear that the major risk was to other road users rather than the occupants of the HGV itself, though ejection was an important cause of death and injury to the HGV occupants, and restraint systems and stronger cab construction would be beneficial. Rear guards to protect car occupants in rear-end collisions, and side guards to prevent cyclists and pedestrians falling between the wheels, are now in general use. Energy-absorbing front underrun guards are now almost fully developed, and are capable of protecting the occupants of even a small car in a head-on collision up to closing speeds of 60 kph /40 mph). TRRL began experimenting with antilock brake systems on HGVs over twenty years ago, but these systems are only now coming into widespread use. Mandatory fitment after 1991 should improve the braking and stability of HGVs considerably. The paper concludes by discussing other aspects where the safety of HGVs might be improved.