BIGGER TRUCKS AND SMALLER CARS

The increase in crashes between vehicles of disparate size is discussed and highway safety countermeasures are discussed. Recent statistics indicate that fatal accidents involving large trucks (mostly combination vehicles) have risen more than 40% over a period of four years. In 2-vehicle crashes between combination vehicles and autos during 1978, 60 automobile occupants died for every truck occupant who died. Statistics showing the percentage of states' fatal accidents involving combination vehicles and the different road classes are discussed. Two classes of countermeasures are suggested. Measures which will reduce the severity of the crash include effective underride guards, and sand barrels at obstacles. Measures which reduce the likelihood of the accidents include driver education, conspicuity enhancement of vehicles, and separation of conflicting vehicles in time and space.