Lorry accident risk double says TRRL
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THE RISK of a medium to heavy goods vehicle being involved in a serious injury accident is about twice as great as for a car says a report just published, which gives details of a study carried out by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory into hgv accidents.
Statistics in the report show that for every hgv occupant killed in an accident, eight other road users are killed. The greatest single area of impact on a lorry is the frontal area, and the TRRL study recommends improved front bumpers to reduce the frequency of underrun accidents.
Hgv tyres are designed for long life rather than the maximum grip and have fewer drainage channels than car tyres. This gives poor wet weather adhesion, says the report, and this should be improved.
Braking systems on lorries are also examined in the report. It says that in relation to the laden weight of the vehicle, hgv brakes are inferior to car brakes, and since they are air-operated, they also take longer to come into operation.
Weight distribution on an hgv often changes as the vehicle is unloaded at several destinations, and this affects the braking performance. The TRRL study recommends load-sensing valves and antilock brakes, as well as noting that electric retarders should be matched to the service brake system.
The report warns drivers of the danger of roll-over accidents. It gives examples of design features which could delay the onset.of the vehicle rolling over, such as a lower centre of gravity of the trailer, stiffer suspension and a fifthwheel coupling without play.
Finally, to protect the drivers of hgvs in serious accidents, the TRRL study calls for greater means of preventing the driver being crushed or trapped in the cab.
The report, entitled Accidents involving heavy goods vehicles in Great Britai0.: frequencies and design aspects was compiled by the TRRL for the Departments of the Environment and Transport.