Semi tractor-trailer driver dies in median crossover crash; 10 others die.
Authors
University of Kentucky
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 10KY008, 2012 Mar; :1-12
Abstract
At approximately 5:00 AM on a spring morning, a 45 year-old male semi-tractor trailer driver headed south on an interstate highway with a back-haul of brake drums. He crossed a 60' grass depressed median, drove over a cable barrier, was struck by a northbound 15-passenger van with 12 occupants, hit a cut rock wall and caught fire. The semi truck driver and 10 occupants within the van died. To prevent future occurrences of similar incidents, the following recommendations have been made: Recommendation No. 1: Commercial vehicle carriers should establish and implement an appropriate comprehensive safety and driver training program that includes recognition of driver distraction and driver fatigue. Recommendation No. 2: Median barriers along rural interstate roadways with high volumes of large truck traffic should be built with test level 5 barriers. Recommendation No. 3: Commercial vehicles should be equipped with the latest communication technology available. Recommendation No. 4: Transportation companies should consider banning cell phone use by drivers while operating a commercial vehicle. Recommendation No. 5: Transportation companies should require drivers to have adequate rest before operating a commercial vehicle. Recommendation No. 6: Research should be performed on the design and location of semi truck fuel tanks to reduce their exposure on commercial vehicles.
Keywords
Region-4; Accident-analysis; Accident-prevention; Accidents; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Traumatic-injuries; Sleep-deprivation; Fatigue; Motor-vehicles; Drivers; Training; Safety-education; Safety-practices;
Author Keywords: Cell phone; Distraction; Passenger van; Semi truck driver
Document Type
Field Studies; Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
NTIS Accession No.
PB2013-101292
Identifying No.
FACE-10KY008; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-OH-008483; B10242012
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Performing Organization
University of Kentucky
