Projects

CMV Test Review 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) conducts crash-tests of commercial vehicles as part of the Transportation Research Board (TRB)’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and in support of testing requested by other government agencies. Historically, the focus of much of this testing has been on roadway safety aspects of transportation, namely examining roadway and roadside design effects upon transportation safety. CVCRI recognized an opportunity to re-examine this testing and the data it generated in order to extract additional information that would add to the currently limited body of knowledge on commercial vehicle safety performance.

• 15 Full Crash Tests, Performed at the FHWA Federal Outdoor Impact Laboratory

  • 12 Tests of Ford F-700's (9 tests at 30 mph, 3 tests at 50 mph)

  • 1 Test of a Ford F-800 at 31 mph

  • 1 Test of a Freightliner Tractor at 31 mph

  • 1 Test of an International Tractor at 50 mph

Commercial Vehicle Safety Conference

Congress has recently expressed a clear intent to pursue commercial vehicle safety with the introduction of S.1950, The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act of 2011, as part of the reauthorization of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the US Department of Transportation. The bill was introduced on December 7, 2011, in the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. On December 14, 2011, the bill was approved by the committee and awaits full consideration by the Senate. Section 203 of that bill states:

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive analysis on the need for crashworthiness standards on property-carrying commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds involved in interstate commerce, including an evaluation of the need for roof strength, pillar strength, air bags, and frontal and back wall standards.

CVCRI will contribute to this effort through its support of commercial vehicle research, as well as through the promotion of events that bring experienced researchers and practitioners together in order to further commercial vehicle safety.