ON THE ROAD. HIGHWAY DESIGN INADEQUACIES FOR TRUCKS

Concerns about truck sizes, truck drivers, and the adequacy of the roads that trucks and cars must travel on are discussed. The need for longer stopping distances for trucks is emphasized. AASHTO's 1984 A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets gives a very limited perspective on stopping distances. Both road agencies and legislators must be concerned about stricter driver qualifications, improved truck design, and laws that ensure safe use of roads by large trucks. Risk management programs to quantify the hazards resulting from allowing increased truck sizes on existing, inadequate roads would be helpful.