Commercial Vehicle Safety. Technology and Practice in Europe. InternationalTechnology Exchange Program

摘要

This report describes the September 1998 technology transfer scan tour to fourEuropean countries. These countries are addressing their own safety issues, even as they comply with the increasing centralization of rules and regulations enacted by the European Commission. The nine-member scan tour team visited France, Germany, Sweden, and Netherlands represented the FHWA, the Virginia and Minnesota State Departments of Transportation, the Owner/Operators and Independent drivers Association, and independent transportation consultants. The key areas examined by the team were human resources, vehicle safety systems, and regulations. The members were particularly interested in European's approach to driver's training and preparation, roles of truck manufacturers in assessing crash causes and statistics to improve safety design, public/private partnerships that enhance training and safety, and augment regulatory policies and practices. They believed that these practices provide valuable models for fresh opportunities for public/private cooperation in the areas of safety enhancement, regulatory policies, and standards enforcement for the U.S. motor carrier industry.