Samenvatting
This paper provides an overview of the problems associatedwith heavy truck air brakes. Overall truck accident experience is examined, and an assessment made of the effect that improved braking could have on reducing accident frequency. The controversial Federal Motor VehicleSafety Standard (FMVSS) 121 brake standard is reviewed together with the maintenance and reliability problems that led to its rescission. Current brake technology is discussed and the stopping distances that can be expected from trucks are theoretically and experimentally evalueted.