THE FLOW OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON VIRGINIA HIGHWAYS

A survey of trucks carrying hazardous material along Virginia highways was conducted. Trucks were stopped at 38 locations during daylight hours in July and August. Shipping papers and placarding were reviewed and the driver interviewed. Cooperation was voluntary. The study showed that about 13% of all trucks carry hazardous materials and 10% carry sufficient amounts to require placarding. Most such traffic is on the interstates and in highly populated areas. Of the hazardous materials carried, 64% were flammable or combustible liquids and 10.7% were corrosives. Of the trucks carrying hazardous materials, 72% required placards by federal regulations; 41% of such trucks were in violation of placarding requirements. Item 2 in the summary and conclusions was corrected by an erratum [volume 11(4): 155]. The numerals in item 2 were transposed. The information in the abstract above (and in the abstract printed in the journal) is correct.