Heavy Goods Vehicles Research Articles

Risk factors for bicycle-related overtaking, rear-end, and door crashes in the United Kingdom

Abstract Background Prior studies have offered valuable insights into risk factors associated with bicycle crashes at intersections. Nevertheless, limited research focuses on investigating three types of bicycle crashes that commonly occur on road segments: overtaking, rear-end, and door crashes. Methods In the present research, risk factors for these three types of crashes on road segments were examined by analyzing British STATS19 reports of crashes from 1991 to 2020. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for multiple risk factors using multivariate logistic regression models. The analysis included 127,637 bicycle crashes, categorized into 18,350 overtaking, 44,962 rear-end, 6,363 door, and 57,962 other crashes. Results Speed limits of ≥ 40 miles per hour (mph) (AOR = 2.238, 95% CI = 2.159-2.320), heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) as crash partners (AOR = 2.867, 95% CI 2.473-3.323), and elderly crash partners (AOR = 2.013, 95% CI = 1.937-2.092) were significant risk factors for overtaking crashes. Notable risk factors for rear-end crashes included midnight hours (AOR = 1.269, 95% CI = 1.190-1.354) and unlit darkness (AOR = 1.486, 95% CI = 1.404-1.573). Speed limits 20-30 mph (AOR = 16.185, 95% CI = 13.514-19.382), as well as taxis and private rental automobiles (AOR = 2.695, 95% CI = 2.310-3.145), were factors associated with door crashes. Further intriguing findings from our joint-effect analysis included higher probabilities for overtaking crashes in rural regions when older drivers and HGVs were crash partners (AOR = 2.93, 95% CI = 2.79-3.08 and AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.46-2.78). Conclusions The mentioned risk factors have remained mostly consistent since our previous study was conducted in 2011. However, current research elucidated that certain factors have become more significant under specific circumstances. For instance, in rural areas, cyclists were more likely to be involved in overtaking crashes with heavy goods vehicles as crash partners. Key messages • Bicycle crash; Road segment; Door crash; Overtaking crash; Rear-end crash

A Study of Heavy Road Freight Transport in Poland in the Context of the Pursuit of Sustainable Road Transport

The efficiency of road freight transport determines—to a significant degree—the total environmental footprint and the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants released into the atmosphere by inland transport. The rate of empty or partially empty vehicles is one of the key metrics for improvement of the environmental performance of freight road transportation. This paper presents the characteristics of road freight transport in Poland on the basis of data collected by weigh-in-motion stations. Data aggregation for environmental analysis represents a novel aspect of the work. Indicators describing the degree of loading, the share of empty vehicles in traffic, and the share of vehicles of maximum permissible total weight in traffic were determined for a representative group of heavy goods vehicles. Based on the representative load factor value (LFA), a classification of the road section into four groups was proposed. The results obtained show a clear differentiation of the values of the indicators analyzed for individual groups and their variability in the three-year period covered by the analysis. The aggregation method presented can be used to identify the nature of the distribution of the weight categories of the heavy goods vehicles and provide input information for targeted analyses relating to sustainable road transport management and environmental protection. Finally, the grouped LFA values were linked with indicators of energy consumption (ECI) and on-road emissions (EI).

In-depth analysis of scenarios and injuries in crashes between cyclists and commercial vehicles in Germany

Large vehicles such as buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) pose a serious threat to cyclists and can cause serious injuries. Therefore, it is important to understand current safety issues related to these vehicles, to identify and to develop safety interventions that could address these issues. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of and injuries resulting from crashes between cyclists and buses and HGVs. In this study, the German In-Depth Accident Study (GIDAS) was queried for all cases that involved either a bus or a HGV and where the opponent was a cyclist. In total, 98 crashes with the involvement of both a bus and a cyclist, and 295 cases where both a HGV and a cyclist were involved, were identified for our analysis. The crashes with cyclists typically occur within city limits, during daylight conditions, on dry surfaces and with clear weather. The cyclists involved in these crashes are mainly male and cyclists under 18-years old account for 28% of crashes with buses, and 16% for crashes with HGVs. The most common crash scenarios are crossing scenarios and turning-off-a-road crashes. In bus crashes, the collision speeds are mainly below 35 km/h and injuries to lower extremities and head are dominating, caused by the road surface and the front of the bus. In HGV crashes, collision speeds are most often below 20 km/h and injuries to the head and thorax are most common, mainly caused by being run over.

Potential of heavy goods vehicle countermeasures to reduce the number of fatalities in crashes with vulnerable road users in Sweden

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are involved in a large share of all serious and fatal collisions. Among these, about 30% are collisions involving Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of Heavy Goods Vehicle countermeasures to prevent fatalities with vulnerable road users in Sweden. Both the General Safety Regulation (GSR) and coming Euro NCAP test program were taken into account. Furthermore, elaboration on existing passive HGV safety systems were used to investigate any additive benefit. The Swedish Transport Administration carry out in-depth studies of all road fatalities. All in-depth studies for the period 2015–2020 were analysed retrospectively by a consensus group of three analysts, to assess the effectiveness of 22 active and passive safety systems. For each technology, target populations and boundary conditions were defined in order to facilitate the assessment. In total, 63 fatal crashes were found, compiled of 28 pedestrians, 13 bicyclists and 22 Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs, i.e. motorcyclists and moped riders). Overall, it was found that active and passive safety technologies could prevent up to 59% (37/63) of the included fatalities. For pedestrians, the potential of improved HGV driver vision, both with a surround view system and an improved direct vision, would have the larger potential to save lives. For bicyclists where the turn-right scenario is overrepresented, the implementation of Advanced Emergency Braking in junctions and Blind Spot Information Systems had the highest potential to save lives. For passive safety systems, HGV wheel protection had a potential to save many bicyclists by preventing them from being run over. Crash scenarios involving a PTW are the most challenging to address with HGV safety systems, mostly due to high PTW speed. Nevertheless, wheel protection on the HGV could save the lives of PTW drivers, by preventing them from being overrun. The present study showed that the included active and passive safety technologies for Heavy Goods Vehicles could prevent 59% of fatalities among vulnerable road users in Sweden. The fatalities not targeted by the HGV safety technologies included in the study would need other countermeasures such as connected safety technology (e.g. V2V or V2I), infrastructure, or education.

Design and Multi-Objective Performance Optimization of a Novel Steering Technology for Heavy Goods Vehicles

Abstract A multi-objective optimization (MOO) approach is utilized to design a controller for a novel rear-steering technology named “Brake-Actuated Steering” (BAS). This system uses individually controlled brakes to generate differential longitudinal forces on each side of an axle, causing it to steer. Compared to other active rear-steering solutions utilizing path-following control, the BAS system is expected to provide comparable maneuverability performance, while offering approximately a 50% reduction in both mass and costs. Two objective criteria that define the performance and control effort of the BAS system are considered. Constraints are imposed limiting the feasible set of design variables to ensure stability of the controller, and sufficient centering capability of the steering system in emergency braking conditions. The optimization is performed for low-speed cornering of a tractor-semitrailer under various operating conditions, including low-friction surfaces, different axle loadings, and vehicle speeds. The optimization provides a set of Pareto-optimal fronts, minimizing the objectives. Simulations are used to compare the performance of a nonoptimal design for the BAS axle prototype to that of the optimized axle design. These validate the superior performance resulting from the optimization, with root mean square error of the steering angle and the energy consumed by the towing unit reduced by 48% and 21%, respectively. Model and controller validation and the performance of the system are verified by experiments on a prototype vehicle system.

The causal impact of a business cycle shock on road crashes and its determinants – A synthetic control group analysis

Introduction: Research suggests that recessions correlate with reductions in crash counts. However, knowledge is still scarce regarding the causality of this association, and the mechanisms through which economic shocks affect crash numbers are not well understood. We address these research gaps by applying an econometric methodology that has so far not been used for these research questions. Method: We use a quasi-natural experimental approach as our identification strategy. By exploiting the spatial heterogeneity of a shock, we define affected and less affected regions as treatment and control units. A synthetic control approach is applied to identify the causal impact of a shock on crash counts and explore the mechanisms contributing to this effect. As a case study, we use the 2008/09 financial crisis in Germany and exploit its high spatial variation. Results: We find that the crisis caused a significant crash rate reduction of 8% in the treated region. Only 1/4 of this reduction can be attributed to the decline in exposure. The remaining 3/4 are associated with the crisis-induced decrease in crash risk. Decomposing this effect shows that the crash rates in rural areas, of newly registered vehicles, of young adults, related to alcohol and speeding decline more than the overall crash rate. In contrast, crash rates of severe crashes, of heavy-goods vehicles, at night and on weekends are not the driving factors of the decrease in crash rates. Several robustness tests validate the results. Conclusions: Crash counts declined significantly due to the economic crisis. However, the magnitude of the influence is highly dependent on the crash characteristics. Practical applications: Understanding the trajectory of crash counts is crucial for implementing traffic safety measures and working towards vision zero. Our study shows that macroeconomic parameters are important potential confounding factors that should be considered in accident analysis.

Assessing Traffic Performance: Comparative Study of Human and Automated HGVs in Urban Intersections and Highway Segments

This study conducts a comparative analysis of traf�ic dynamics at urban signalized intersections and on highways, incorporating both human-operated and automated heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the PTV VISSIM simulation model. It examines the impacts of automated driving technologies on critical traf�ic performance metrics such as queue length, travel time, vehicle delay, emissions, and fuel consumption. Initial �indings indicate that automation in HGVs enhances traf�ic �low, particularly by reducing queue lengths and vehicle delays. However, varying levels of automation from cautious to aggressive reveal complex trade-offs between operational ef�iciency and environmental impacts. On highways, automated HGVs demonstrate superior performance by reducing travel times and delays while increasing throughput compared to human-driven HGVs. These results underscore the operational bene�its of automated HGVs under diverse traf�ic conditionsand highlight their signi�icant implications for transportation planning and policy-making. This research contributes valuable insights into the integration of automated technologies in transportation systems, facilitating informed decision-making for stakeholders considering the adoption of these advancements in the current infrastructure.

Energy efficiency analysis of heavy goods vehicles in road transportation: The case of Morocco

Passenger and freight transport are central to the socio-economic development of countries and urban life. Their enormous consumption of fossil fuels is problematic. It is essential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of this industry, especially in road transport. This paper assesses the heavy goods vehicles (trucks), as a specific segment of road transport, in Morocco from an energy standpoint. For this purpose, a methodology called DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) was adopted to systematically define problems, measure the current state, analyze data to identify inefficiencies, as well as implement and monitor improvements for sustainable performance in this sector. The findings show that Moroccan trucks have significant sustainability gaps, characterized, mainly, by high fossil fuel consumption resulting in high exhaust emissions. The promotion of alternative powertrains such as hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles offer promising opportunities to reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Although these alternative powertrains have the potential to improve operational performance over traditional diesel models in Morocco, several challenges need to be addressed for their widespread uptake.

PEMFC Electrochemical Degradation Analysis of a Fuel Cell Range-Extender (FCREx) Heavy Goods Vehicle after a Break-In Period

With the increasing focus on decarbonisation of the transport sector, it is imperative to consider routes to electrify vehicles beyond those achievable using lithium-ion battery technology. These include heavy goods vehicles and aerospace applications that require propulsion systems that can provide gravimetric energy densities, which are more likely to be delivered by fuel cell systems. While the discussion of light-duty vehicles is abundant in the literature, heavy goods vehicles are under-represented. This paper presents an overview of the electrochemical degradation of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell integrated into a simulated Class 8 heavy goods range-extender fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle operating in urban driving conditions. Electrochemical degradation data such as polarisation curves, cyclic voltammetry values, linear sweep voltammetry values, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy values were collected and analysed to understand the expected degradation modes in this application. In this application, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack power was designed to remain constant to fulfil the mission requirements, with dynamic and peak power demands managed by lithium-ion batteries, which were incorporated into the hybridised powertrain. A single fuel cell or battery cell can either be operated at maximum or nominal power demand, allowing four operational scenarios: maximum fuel cell maximum battery, maximum fuel cell nominal battery, nominal fuel cell maximum battery, and nominal fuel cell nominal battery. Operating scenarios with maximum fuel cell operating power experienced more severe degradation after endurance testing than nominal operating power. A comparison of electrochemical degradation between these operating scenarios was analysed and discussed. By exploring the degradation effects in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, this paper offers insights that will be useful in improving the long-term performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in heavy-duty vehicle applications and the design of hybridised powertrains.

Research on Drivers' Behaviors of Heavy Goods Vehicles Based on Traffic Accident Analysis

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have played a vital role in transporting goods. These goods are closely related to social development and people's lives, including daily necessities and parcels, and even industrial raw materials such as coal and steel. However, for many reasons, the number and incidence of HGVs traffic accidents remain high in all countries. Since HGVs have the characteristics of large volume, large mass and fast speed, the consequences of HGVs traffic accidents are often very serious, causing numerous property damages, and even seriously threatening people's lives. There are many factors that contribute to this tragedy, but it is worth noticing that HGVs drivers played a vital role. Their bad driving behaviors and habits may be to blame for the accidents. This paper identifies the bad driving behaviors and habits of HGVs drivers that may lead to traffic accidents, and analyzes the impact of these behaviors. This paper also attempts to establish the relationship between external factors such as insurance and drivers' driving behaviors, and explores the impact of public policies on traffic accidents. Finally, this paper draws the conclusion that many bad driving behaviors will lead to HGVs accidents, and several actions from drivers, government and companies can be taken to improve traffic safety. This paper adopts the field observation method, the interview survey method and the literature research method.

Impact of Aggressive HGV Platoons and Human-Driven Heavy Goods Vehicles on Signalized Intersections Performance

This paper presents a study on the performance and environmental impacts of aggressive heavy goods vehicle (HGV) platoons in comparison to human-driven HGVs at a random signalized intersection under varying traffic volumes between 500 and 1500 HGVs. A total of 12 scenarios have been developed, 6 for each of the vehicular behaviors, to quantify the emissions (CO, NOX, VOC) and fuel consumption, travel time, and delays. The analysis is implemented using the PTV VISSIM microscopic traffic flow model. Realization that the majority of the differences in the performance of the two vehicular controls seems to be different as the traffic volume increases was the realization. In most cases, aggressive HGV platoons were found to have lower emissions, in comparison to fuel consumption, while the flow and delay of aggressive HGV platoons were comparatively better against the case with human-driven HGVs. The results have thus provided new avenues for the incorporation of aggressive HGV platoons into urban traffic systems, more so in scenarios that involve a high level of traffic at intersections, as a potentially effective tool for augmenting the efficiency of an intersection and cutting down its environmental impacts. The present study strongly recommends the advancement of traffic management strategies that can capture the dynamics between the two heterogenous traffic flows induced by autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle technologies.

The aerodynamic performance of a platoon of lorries in close-proximity during an overtaking manoeuvre

For the first time, this paper examines the aerodynamic forces that arise in a platoon of Heavy Goods Vehicle lorries travelling in close proximity during an overtaking manoeuvre. Through an in-depth programme of wind tunnel experiments it is demonstrated that there is a complex relationship between the drag and side force coefficients, with a possible hysteresis-like behaviour shown. The influence of the overtaken lorry on the overtaking lorry is shown to be key in terms of the aerodynamic-induced forces experienced by the latter. Furthermore, the overtaking lorry is shown to benefit aerodynamically from the overtaken lorry, and this is attributed to the elliptical nature of the Navier-Stokes equations. In addition to examining the forces that arise during overtaking, the variation of the wind-induced forces with respect to yaw on a single lorry is compared to those on a middle lorry in a 3-lorry platoon. The aerodynamic benefits arising from platooning/vehicles travelling in close proximity are again demonstrated, although it is shown that these benefits may only exist over a limited range of yaw angles, raising questions about the real-world application of this approach. This has important implications for platooning in crosswinds and the drag force reduction that is assumed due to platooning.

Decision support for improved construction traffic management and planning

Densifying cities continuously call for new construction, renovation and demolition projects, each generating vast amounts of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) transports. However, how construction transportation affects the urban traffic network remains largely unexplored. This study addresses spatiotemporal network impacts from construction transport, by leveraging traditional traffic and transport simulation. To this end, a framework is presented including (i) a simulation model to compute traffic effects caused by varying off-site construction site transport demands, and (ii) conceptual applications of the simulation model showing construction logistic planning strategies to mitigate congestion disturbances. Simulations are conducted in MATSim using detailed secondary datasets describing site-specific transport arrivals from a case of six projects in Norrköping, Sweden. Subsequently, increasing transport demands were assessed on various time-window arrival scenarios against the baseline schedule, which can be used as decision support in urban planning. Results highlight how rigorous construction transport planning avoiding peak-traffic hours can significantly alleviate traffic congestion. This study also emphasizes the need to combine all simultaneous construction projects’ demands when evaluating disturbances on city-level, alongside the impact on individual links and microenvironments. This study adds knowledge by visualizing the traffic impact during urban transformation.

Establishing the requirements to support improved adoption of alternate technologies for the long-haul road freight decarbonisation

ABSTRACT The UK has a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which will require the decarbonisation of road transport. However, in the long-haul road freight segment, the optimal pathway to achieving net-zero is uncertain. This review paper explores and evaluates existing approaches to building decarbonisation pathways for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The search and review methodology, utilising the frameworks SALSA, PRISMA, and PESTEL, found gaps in three main aspects of pathway building. While a number of the studies considered vehicle or energy systems, a few took a broader system-level view. The parameters used for measuring the utility of the alternate technology required to achieve net-zero were not comprehensive. Further, the pathways lacked a socio-technical approach. The findings from the research have been used to provide insights and a conceptual framework that can be used for building a comprehensive model for improving technology adoption for the HGV decarbonisation pathways.

Carbon footprint of hospital laundry: a life-cycle assessment

ObjectivesTo assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a regional hospital laundry unit, and model ways in which these can be reduced.DesignA cradle to grave process-based attributional life-cycle assessment.SettingA large hospital...

Electrification of Urban Road Traffic: A Reliability Analysis of Traction Power Supply for Electric Road Systems

Abstract The electric road system (ERS) is an emerging technology to support decarbonisation of heavy good vehicles (HGVs). The reliability of the traction power supply system (TPSS) for an electric road is a key consideration in ERS planning and maintenance, but since the development of ERS is still at its early stage, the reliability study of different ERS systems has not been fully researched. This paper fills this research gap. It first analyses the potential operation risks of three different ERS systems using the failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) method. Then, a fault tree model is built to analyse the overall reliability of the traction power supply system of each of the three ERS types and to identify the weak links. Furthermore, the overall failure rate and reliability indicators are obtained by combining the possible failures of both the electric and non- electric components of the TPSS. Finally, based on the analysis of the potential risks and the corresponding reliability indicators, the advantages and disadvantages of different ERS solutions and the future development prospects are discussed.

Qualitatively and quantitatively explore injury severity of light motor vehicle drivers involved in heavy goods vehicle crashes

ABSTRACT Crashes involving heavy goods trucks (HGVs) are of significant concern as it poses a higher risk of fatality to light motor vehicles (LMVs). The study constructs three Deep Forest models with different Cascade structures to explore the relationship between HGV-LMV crash severity and risk factors. Based on the HGV-LMV crash data in Shandong province, China, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and sedans are defined as the LMV. According to the comparison results, the Deep Forest with Cascade LightGBM is significantly better. Through model interpretability tools, the study found that motorcycle and electric vehicle drivers aged 58 to 86, and LMV drivers with 1 to 3 years of driving experience are more likely suffering severity and fatal injury (SFI) in HGV-LMV crashes. And, disobey traffic sign, illegal turning, overtaking, changing lane, and crashes happened on non-motorway, national and provincial roads have an positive effect on SFI.

Analysis of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGVs) Operating Speed Exiting Meru Tunnel

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) play a crucial role in the movement of goods within regions and countries. Despite their importance to economic well-being, the increasing volume of HGVs raises safety concerns, as their distinctive characteristics, such as length and mass, significantly influence traffic performance. The Meru Tunnel on the North-South Expressway is a major link for goods transportation in Malaysia, but little is known about HGV operations in this area. This study aims to analyse HGV operating speed and the influence of their proportion in the traffic flow when exiting the tunnel. Spot speed and volume data were collected at two locations, including the tunnel exit and 50 meters ahead. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using Minitab software. Findings revealed that the majority of HGVs adhere to the speed limit of 80 km/h. Moreover, a multiple regression model indicates a reduction in speed with an increasing proportion of HGVs. However, paired t-test findings show no significant speed difference between the two locations. This lack of significance is attributed to high traffic volume during data collection, forcing drivers to be more cautious, resulting less variations in speed. The findings provide valuable insights, that can serve as the basis for practical measures to enhance the safe operation of HGVs in this area.

A MODAL SHIFT, BUT HOW?

In this paper, we investigate the conditions that must be met for modal shift (i.e., the transfer of freight transport from road to rail). In addition to describing the competitiveness conditions, the paper makes technical and organizational proposals for rail freight traffic management. One of the most important conditions is that rail-road intermodal freight transport must be competitive in time and price with unimodal road freight transport. The freight transport model presented in this article provides a solution to this problem and an approach to estimating the additional intermodal freight traffic. Another important criterion is the relatively dense network of road-rail links, known as intermodal transshipment points (ITPs) along main railway lines. The proposed model can be compared to the freight transport model described in the term Physical Internet, with the addition that the objective is to minimize road haulage when locating ITPs (or hubs). ITPs are rail-road terminals or, more precisely, transshipment points, which differ substantially from the commonly used continental terminals. The third condition to be met is a horizontal container handling procedure that can be applied efficiently (i.e., at low cost) under the railway catenary and is capable of handling intermodal units used in continental traffic and maritime freight. Finally, an example for the Visegrád countries is presented. The essence of the example is the potential additional freight traffic or modal shift that could be included in the proposed ITP network. We believe that a modal shift could occur for up to 50% of the indicated heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic if the offer is competitive.

The Effect of Road Characteristic on Motorcycle Fatal Crashes Involving Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV): A Case Study in Malaysia

Road characteristic is one of the main contributing factors for fatality to the motorcycle when involve in heavy goods vehicles (HGV) crash. In particular, the studies related to HGV and motorcycle crashes have been relatively limited and there are few studies on road characteristics. This article provides eight road characteristics that were identified in the crash between HGV and motorcycle in Malaysia. The aim of this paper is to analyse the severity of a motorcycle crash when it is involved in an HGV crash in order to identify the contributing road factors of the crashes and to build a base for future research to improve Malaysian road conditions. The objective of this study is to exhibit the trend and identify the road characteristic for motorcycle-HGV crashes in Malaysia. The data of road crashes for the past three years was analysed using descriptive analysis and simple logistic regression analysis. The result reveals that the crash is more likely to occur on smooth surface and flat condition. Following the finding from simple logistic regression analysis, the corrugated surface and slope condition has more odds than the smooth surface and flat condition. Therefore, the outcomes of the result presented here need further analysis to identify the road characteristic and establish a prediction model. This finding will help in filling the gap for the research on road characteristic variable involve with the HGV crash.