Review of Safety Measures to Reduce Heavy-Vehicle-Related Crashes

Heavy vehicles have different physical and functional characteristics in comparison with light vehicles. The average mile traveled by these vehicles is much more than passenger cars. Heavy vehicle drivers are usually more experienced at the same time are more often exposed to fatigue compared with passenger car drivers. In addition, maneuverability, acceleration and braking capabilities of these vehicles are less. Therefore, a design that is appropriate for general automobiles may not be appropriate for this group and cause serious problems and accidents. On the other hand, the probability of mistakes occurring from passenger car drivers in facing heavy vehicles is high as they do not fully understand the capabilities and limitations of heavy vehicles and expect them to be similar to their own. As the result, the rate of traffic accidents caused by heavy vehicles are higher than passenger cars and many of them are fatal and injury crashes due to the physical characteristics of heavy vehicles. It should be noted that most victims belong to other vehicles that are involved in the accidents. With these explanations, the importance of addressing heavy vehicle safety issues in order to reduce their accidents become more evident. This paper reviews and presents actions that will enhance the safety and reduce the crashes of this particular group of vehicles.