Use of traffic conflicts technique to assess hazards of transporting oversize loads.

Based on the assumption that a driver applies brakes in response to a perceived danger when following, passing, or meeting other vehicles, the traffic conflicts technique was used to assess the hazards associated with transporting oversize loads over highways. Field tests were conducted to determine any differences in the hazards created in moving 3.7-m housing units as compared to moving 4.3-m units. An analysis of the conflicts indicated that there were no major differences; however, the sample size was too small for the results to be accepted with a high degree of confidence.