© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 1 Improve Road Safety – Target the Right User “ Results of the European Truck Accident Causation study”

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 2 Road safety – Highest priority The IRU supports all measures that improve road safety if they effectively target the main causes of accidents involving trucks.

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 3 ETAC – A Scientific Study Funded by the European Commission and the IRU   Expert teams investigated on site more than 600 accidents involving trucks over 2 years.   Investigations were based on a scientific, widely accepted and internationally benchmarked methodology.   Expert teams investigated on site more than 600 accidents involving trucks over 2 years.   Investigations were based on a scientific, widely accepted and internationally benchmarked methodology.

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 4 Main Cause: The human factor 624 accidents showed the main cause of the accident is human error. However, from the 85.2%, 75% of accidents were caused by other road users! However, from the 85.2%, 75% of accidents were caused by other road users! Source: EU, IRU

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 5 Accident Configuration Accident Truck and other road user (vehicles and/or pedestrian) 27.0% Accident at intersection 20.6% Accident in queue 19.5% Accident due to lane departure 11.3% Accident after an overtaking manoeuvre 7,4% Single truck

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 6 Main cause of an accident: Truck / Other road user The top main causes for accidents between a truck and other road users are, according to the mentioned accident configurations: 1- Non-adapted speed 2- Failure to observe intersection rules, 3- Improper manœuvre when changing lanes. The top main causes for accidents between a truck and other road users are, according to the mentioned accident configurations: 1- Non-adapted speed 2- Failure to observe intersection rules, 3- Improper manœuvre when changing lanes.

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 7 Load and fatigue: NOT a main cause - Loss of load, - Overload, - Unbalance of the load, - Insufficient safety measures with regard to load  The load of the truck was the main cause of the accident in only 1.4% (nine) accidents.  In only three of the nine accidents the truck tipped over.  Despite common belief, fatigue was the main cause in only 6% of the accidents.  Nearly 90% of the accidents in which fatigue is the main cause, happen on highways or on inter-urban roads. - Loss of load, - Overload, - Unbalance of the load, - Insufficient safety measures with regard to load  The load of the truck was the main cause of the accident in only 1.4% (nine) accidents.  In only three of the nine accidents the truck tipped over.  Despite common belief, fatigue was the main cause in only 6% of the accidents.  Nearly 90% of the accidents in which fatigue is the main cause, happen on highways or on inter-urban roads. ETAC Investigation

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 8 Blind spot accidents with vulnerable users…most in front, not side!  14 of 624 accidents involving at least one vulnerable road user (a pedestrian or a two- wheeler), were caused by trucks.  Area of impact: -62% front - 24% side - 14% unclassifiable  14 of 624 accidents involving at least one vulnerable road user (a pedestrian or a two- wheeler), were caused by trucks.  Area of impact: -62% front - 24% side - 14% unclassifiable

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 9 Recommendations to Manufacturers & Infrastructure providers/developers Main Human Factors Manufacturers Infrastructure providers/developers 1. Non-adapted speed - Adaptive cruise control - speed control systems related to the used infrastructure -Effective traffic signing - traffic warning regarding speed limits 2. Failure to observe intersection rules -Ultrasonic guard system for collision zones -vehicle to vehicle communication -blind spot mirrors -Improve visibility of traffic signs -effective traffic signing 3. Improper manœuvre when changing lanes -Lane guard system -turning and lane change assistance -traction and stability control system -active roll stabilisation - Special focus on the road surface (road friction)

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 10 Recommendations Governments & Media Main Human Factors GovernmentsMedia 1. Non-adapted speed - Increase enforcement regarding non-adapted speed - Awareness campaigns on speeding and safety distance - Objective and fact-based report on accidents’ causes 2. Failure to observe intersection rules - Revising driving school programmes to help understand truck manoeuvres - Awareness campaigns regarding intersection rules - Increase enforcement - Awareness campaigns to explain truck manoeuvres 3. Improper manœuvre when changing lanes - Plan and maintain safe road infrastructure appropriate to current and foreseeable traffic demand Awareness campaigns on: - speeding - safety distance - driving manoeuvres of truck

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 11 Recommendations Truck Drivers & Other road users Main Human Factors Truck Drivers Other Road Users 1. Non-adapted speed - Adapt your speed to traffic and weather conditions - Adapt your speed according to traffic and weather conditions 2. Failure to observe intersection rules - Plan the trip in advance - remember limitations of your visibility - anticipate problems - respect traffic regulations at all time - Increase driving experience by refresher training - respect traffic regulations at all time 3. Improper manœuvre when changing lanes - Increase driving experience by refresher training

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 12 CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS 1.All partners in the road transport industry and the private sector, civil society and governments have to take up their responsibility to jointly improve road safety. 2.The IRU and road transport industry are prepared to do their part! 3.85% of the accidents are linked to the human factor. 4.The IRU will focus on driver training. 5.BUT, to target THE main cause of accidents involving a truck, driver training of other road users must be improved! 6.The various recommendations should be analysed for their effectiveness and prioritised accordingly. 1.All partners in the road transport industry and the private sector, civil society and governments have to take up their responsibility to jointly improve road safety. 2.The IRU and road transport industry are prepared to do their part! 3.85% of the accidents are linked to the human factor. 4.The IRU will focus on driver training. 5.BUT, to target THE main cause of accidents involving a truck, driver training of other road users must be improved! 6.The various recommendations should be analysed for their effectiveness and prioritised accordingly.

© International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 13