Statistics show that the total number of registered large trucks and truck vehicle-miles traveledhas increased in the last 10 years. As a result, their probability of involvement in crashes alsoincreases. This study identified the characteristics, factors associated with their occurrences, andthe causes contributing to the increased severity of truck crashes in Kansas. Suitablecountermeasure ideas were also identified to mitigate the number and severity of truck crashes.Various driver-, road-, environment- and vehicle- related characteristics and contributory causeswere identified and analyzed. Driver-related causes were more common than any other type ofcontributory cause for the occurrence of truck-crashes. Failing to give enough time and attention,being too fast for existing conditions, and failing to yield right-of-way were the most dominanttruck-driver-related contributory causes, among many others.Through the severity modeling, factors associated with increased severity of truck-crasheswere identified. Truck-driver being trapped had the highest odds of contributing to a more severetruck-crash followed by the collision resulting in damage to the truck and truck-driver beingunder the influence of alcohol respectively.Intelligent countermeasure ideas along with some traditional practices followed to mitigatetruck-crashes were identified. Automated Truck Rollover Warning Systems, Lane Drift WarningSystems (LDWS), Speed Limiters, and connecting vehicle technologies like Vehicle-to-Vehicle(V2V) integration systems were among the countermeasure ideas. Development andimplementation of these countermeasures in a cost effective manner might help mitigate thenumber and severity of truck-crashes, thereby improving overall safety of the highway system.
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