A recent study by the American Research Transportation Institute analyzed tractor trailer driver-specific data in order to relate driver behavior to future crashes. The variables used were road inspection violations, driver traffic conviction information, as well as past crash involvement. Data from 587,722 truck drivers over a two-year period showed that specific behaviors and convictions in aggregate raised a driver’s risk of being involved in a truck crash by more than 50%.
Researchers found that failure to use turn signals violations were the leading predictor of tractor trailer crashes. Drivers with this conviction increased a driver’s likelihood of a crash by almost 96%, compared to their peers.
Other violations and convictions ranked as follows:
-Improper turn conviction (84%)
-Improper or erratic lane change (80%)
-Improper lane/location (68%)
-Failure to obey traffic sign (68%)
-Speeding more than 15 mph over speed limit (67%)
This study shows that a “safety culture” within the trucking industry is what can best assist in lowering the number of crashes on America’s highways. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also begun weighing violations by truck drivers through its Safety Management System, in order to intervene earlier with motor carriers and ensure the safety of the driving public.