Strategies to Reduce CMV-involved Crashes, Fatalities, and Injuries in Michigan

The objective of this research is to identify the issues that contribute most to commercial motor vehicle crashes, fatalities, and injuries in Michigan through analysis of available data, and to identify strategies to help reduce these crashes and their consequences. Data from 2001-2005 were used, and included the Michigan vehicle crash files, Trucks Involved in Fatal Accidents file, and Motor Carrier Management Information System Inspection and Carrier files. The Michigan FACT file was also used. Harm was measured by overall commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crash costs. Angle, rear-end, and head-on crashes were found to contribute most to overall CMV crash costs. Analysis of vehicle condition and crash risk found brake defects to be associated with fatal CMV rear-end, head-on, and angle collisions, and lighting defects to be associated with fatal rear-end crashes where the CMV was struck. Analysis of CMV inspection records shows that brake and lighting system violations are the most frequent violations. The average number of violations is highest for small fleets. The inability to stop in assured distance, (i.e., following too closely) is the CMV driver hazardous action that contributes most to overall CMV costs. Strategies proposed to address these issues include enforcement, preventive maintenance programs, training, consultation, and other help to fleet safety managers, incentives for deployment of advanced in-vehicle technology, and public information and education programs to “share the road.”