An analysis of Victorian truck rollover crashes using data from the VicRoads Road Crash Information

An analysis of Victorian truck rollover crashes using data from the VicRoads Road Crash Information System database and National Transport Insurance (NTI) was undertaken for 2003 to 2007. Recommendations for reducing the frequency and severity of truck rollover crashes were made based on the analyses and supported by relevant literature. The Victorian crash data indicated that of all truck crashes in Victoria, 10% (n=478) were rollovers. There was a downward trend in rollovers during the study period, from 110 crashes in 2003 to 83 in 2007, a 25% reduction. Two-thirds of rollovers involved semi-trailers (66%, n=316). Other results included: 86% of the rollovers were single vehicle crashes, 47% occurred on a bend (most in 100 km/h zones), 25% met the criteria adopted for fatigue-related crashes and nearly 60% of truck drivers killed were not wearing a seatbelt. The NTI dataset included 108 rollovers, and there was substantial variation in annual crash numbers between 2003 and 2007. Other results included: 60% of rollovers involved semi-trailers and 23% involved B-doubles; seven types of loads were carried and dry loads were involved in the greatest number of rollovers (36%); 41% involved inappropriate speed; and 30% involved fatigue. Fifteen recommendations were made in a number of areas including standards for rollover stability, invehicle technologies for trucks, road safety audits, driver education, intelligent rollover warning systems on problematic curves, and coding and collection of truck crash data.