Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash Investigation

Is it safe to drive with these large trucks? What happens when the small car in front of the commercial vehicle slams on its brakes? Reconstructing commercial vehicle accidents is a complex task that is often misunderstood or misinterpreted. Frequently, mistakes are made in determining the vehicle's ability to brake efficiently, the engine speeds and the loading condition. This reference book identifies the proper techniques you should use in order to correctly assess a commercial vehicle accident scene.The authors of this text discuss in great detail the unique aspects of commercial vehicle operation, performance and regulations. Chapters are dedicated to the various operating systems of these vehicles such as the electrical systems, tires, steering, suspension and much more. You will also learn about the human factors in commercial vehicle operations and accidents. The drivers of these trucks must drive at 100 percent of their ability in all situations and must meet certain requirements before they are allowed behind the wheel. Even so, accidents do occur and are sometimes caused by the driver's response.New to this expanded second edition are chapters on vehicle headlamps, terminology, Automatic On-Board Recording Devices (AOBRD), wireless communications equipment, collision warning systems and smart cruise, vehicle speed sensor, and testimony questions, among others.If you are interested in reconstructing or investigating commercial vehicle accidents, or if you are already involved in this but would like a better understanding of the issues, this book will prove to be valuable tool.

Written by industry professionals, engineers, reconstructionists, and litigators experienced in the trucking field, this comprehensive guidebook provides a strong knowledge base of the trucking industry and serves as a how to for handling a commercial motor vehicle case from intake to trial. The book covers: the lawyer's role in a truck accident investigation; data collection, site, vehicle, and electronic evidence; spoliation of evidence; driving situations (weather conditions, hazardous materials, human factors); on-board electronics; tires, wheels and brakes; technology (what exists, how to use it, and admissibility in court); the plaintiff and defense perspectives; changes from the engineering perspective with respect to engine configuration, speed, and more; and the trial.

There are approximately 4,000 fatalities in crashes involving trucks and buses in the United States each year. Though estimates are wide-ranging, possibly 10 to 20 percent of these crashes might have involved fatigued drivers. The stresses associated with their particular jobs (irregular schedules, etc.) and the lifestyle that many truck and bus drivers lead, puts them at substantial risk for insufficient sleep and for developing short- and long-term health problems. Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Fatigue, Long-Term Health and Highway Safety assesses the state of knowledge about the relationship of such factors as hours of driving, hours on duty, and periods of rest to the fatigue experienced by truck and bus drivers while driving and the implications for the safe operation of their vehicles. This report evaluates the relationship of these factors to drivers' health over the longer term, and identifies improvements in data and research methods that can lead to better understanding in both areas.

TRB's Commercial Truck and Bus Safety Synthesis Program (CTBSSP) Synthesis 14: The Role of Safety Culture in Preventing Commercial Motor Vehicle Crashes explores practices on developing and enhancing a culture of safety among commercial motor vehicle drivers. The report also examines suggested steps for increasing a safety culture through a series of best practices.