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LARGE TRUCK CRASHESMichigan Traffic Safety SummitEast Lansing, MichiganMarch 13, 2007: 

LARGE TRUCK CRASHES Michigan Traffic Safety Summit East Lansing, Michigan March 13, 2007 PRESENTED BY: Capt. Robert R. Powers Commanding Officer Motor Carrier Division Michigan State Police

Slide2: 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Large truck crash causation study (LTCCS) Evaluated 967 serious truck crashes, 181,000 total crashes 2001-2003 Cost of study $18 million Data collected: - 17 states participated, including Michigan - In Michigan: Genesee, Muskegon, Washtenaw - Up to 1,000 data elements collected in each crash First nation-wide examination of all pre-crash factors

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LTCCS: 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LTCCS Previously held belief – car driver at fault 70% of the time. LTCCS finding – car driver at fault 56% of the time. Driver (both car and truck) factors/error overwhelmingly the cause of truck crashes. Other factors such as equipment failure (10.1%), engineering (16%) and road condition (13%) seldom a causation factor.

Continued: 

Continued CONCLUSION: More focus must be given to the truck driver. Speed, fatigue, prescription drug use are significant factors for both car and truck drivers.

TOP FIVE CRASH TYPES: 

TOP FIVE CRASH TYPES REAR END (23.1%) Ran off roadway/lane usage (17.8%) Side swipe/same direction (10.3%) Rollover (8.9%) Turning/into path (8%)

TOP FIVE TRUCK RELATED CRITICAL EVENTS: 

TOP FIVE TRUCK RELATED CRITICAL EVENTS Over the lane/ran off roadway (32.1%) Loss of control (28.6%) Other motor vehicle in travel lane (21.7%) Turning/intersection (10.3%) Pedestrian/bicycle/other (2.5%)

TOP FIVE TRUCK RELATED CRITICAL REASONS: 

TOP FIVE TRUCK RELATED CRITICAL REASONS Driver decision (38%) Driver recognition (28.4%) Driver non-performance (11.6%) Vehicle factor (10.1%) Driver performance (9.2%)

TOP FIVE TRUCK RELATED ASSOCIATED FACTORS: 

TOP FIVE TRUCK RELATED ASSOCIATED FACTORS Brake failure (29.4%) Traffic flow interruption (28.0%) Prescription drug use (26.3) Speed too fast for conditions (22.9%) Unfamiliar with roadway (21.6%)

CONSTRUCTION ZONE CRASHES: 

CONSTRUCTION ZONE CRASHES 50 percent increase in work zone fatalities between 1997 and 2004. 24 percent of fatal crashes in work zones involve a large truck. Most work zone crashes occur: - on weekdays - during daylight and between noon and 3 p.m.

Continued: 

Continued Merging process is especially problematic for drivers of large trucks. Large trucks are over represented in work zone crashes. - Large trucks = 10.3% of all registered vehicles. - Large trucks = 16.1% of total motor vehicle miles traveled. - Large trucks = 24% of all fatal work zone crashes.

MICHIGAN SPECIFIC FACTS: 

MICHIGAN SPECIFIC FACTS Michigan domiciled carriers are over-represented in Michigan truck crashes – 10-15 percent higher. Michigan has higher percentage of trucks 10,001 - 26,200 pounds involved in crashes – 15-20 percent higher. Michigan has higher crash involvement by dump trucks, doubles, auto transporters.

Continued:: 

Continued: Canadian trucks account for only 2 percent of truck crashes in Michigan. 65 percent of truck crashes occur on two lane roads.

Michigan Truck/Bus Crash Statistics by Calendar Year: 

Michigan Truck/Bus Crash Statistics by Calendar Year

CONCLUSION & COUNTER MEASURES: 

CONCLUSION & COUNTER MEASURES More resources must be directed to commercial vehicle enforcement. More focus on driver behavior (both car and truck drivers).

RESOURCES: 

RESOURCES State Police Motor Carrier Division can Provide: Commercial vehicle enforcement awareness training. Assistance with truck crash investigations - Post crash inspection of vehicle - Evaluation of compliance with hours of service regulations - Evaluation of compliance with State and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Continued:: 

Continued: Assistance with hazardous materials incidents. Special investigation of motor carrier complaints and incidents. Specialized/advanced CMV training. - Trucks and terrorism - CMV drug interdiction

QUESTIONS????????: 

QUESTIONS ???????? Additional information: www.fmcsa.dot.gov www.atri-online.org