Cambridge Safer Truck Initiative : Vehicle-Based Strategies to Protect Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Epstein, Alexander K.; Segev, Eran; Breck, Andrew · 2016 · ROSA P / John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)

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Summary

This report details the Cambridge Safer Truck Initiative, a partnership between the City of Cambridge and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to mitigate crashes involving trucks and vulnerable road users (VRUs), specifically pedestrians and bicyclists. The initiative was motivated by disproportionate safety risks; although trucks comprise only 4% of vehicles in Cambridge, they accounted for 27% of VRU fatalities between 2008 and 2013. Analysis of crash data revealed that truck crashes are nearly three times more likely to result in pedestrian fatalities than passenger vehicle crashes. Furthermore, 44% of reviewed Cambridge crash reports involved scenarios where vehicle-based interventions could have mitigated injury severity or prevented collisions entirely. The study employed a two-pronged strategy focusing on vehicle-based countermeasures: truck side guards to prevent underride injuries and blind-spot mitigation technologies to improve driver visibility. Researchers reviewed international best practices, including data from the United Kingdom’s side guard mandate, and evaluated pilot installations on the City’s Department of Public Works fleet. For side guards, the study compared rail-style and mesh-panel designs, assessing their resilience, operability, and cost. For blind-spot mitigation, the report analyzed various mirror configurations (cross-over, convex, and proximity mirrors), Fresnel lenses, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The authors also examined human factors, including driver training requirements and on-vehicle messaging, to ensure proper utilization of these technologies. Key findings indicated that rail-style side guards were superior to mesh-panel designs, which suffered damage from snow and ice during pilot testing. The report recommends installing rail-style side guards on 52 targeted medium- and heavy-duty city vehicles, specifying dimensional requirements based on European standards to ensure continuous coverage and strength. Regarding blind spots, the study concluded that while existing mirrors meet federal requirements, additional countermeasures are necessary. Recommendations include installing front cross-over mirrors and rear-view convex mirrors on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 10,000 lbs. The report also highlights the need for operator training and safety decals to increase awareness of blind spots among both drivers and VRUs. The significance of this work lies in its provision of specific, evidence-based specifications for municipal fleets to adopt proven safety technologies. By leveraging data from international mandates and local pilot programs, the report offers a roadmap for reducing VRU fatalities through vehicle design modifications. It emphasizes the importance of continuous evaluation and data retention to refine these strategies. The initiative aims to lead by example in Massachusetts, encouraging private entities to adopt similar measures and contributing to broader national efforts, such as the U.S. DOT’s Mayors’ Challenge, to enhance street safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Key finding

Rail-style side guards demonstrated superior physical resilience compared to mesh-panel designs during pilot operations, and data indicates side guards reduce fatality probabilities by 61% for bicyclists and 20% for pedestrians in side-impact crashes.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• vehicle conspicuity