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Citation
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Herbst B, Bell L, Clarke C, Bish J. 27th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV); April 3-6, 2023; Abstract #: 23-0165, pp. 10p. Washington, DC USA: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023 open access. |
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Abstract
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27th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV): Enhanced and Equitable Vehicle Safety for All: Toward the Next 50 Years
https://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/27/27ESV-000165.pdf
Industry and government studies have noted the dangers of heavy truck frontal and underrun crashes, suggesting various measures to improve safety in these types of accidents including strengthening front suspension components and adding protective structures. In 1986, The USDOT found post-crash fires were involved in 16% of heavy truck fatalities compared to only 4% for cars. The report identified several mechanisms of fuel tank rupture including frontal impacts resulting in front axle contact with fuel tanks. The hazards of exposed side saddle fuel tanks have been known for decades, yet heavy trucks still use this vulnerable outboard location for fuel tanks. In 1994, the United Nations ECE published a standard for heavy truck front underrun protective structures (FUPS); however, the United States still has no requirements regarding front underrun protection of heavy trucks. A FUPS prevents underrun and engages the energy absorbing structures of smaller impacting vehicles, provides protection of the trucks steering components, and helps prevent the truck's front axle from being displaced into the fuel tank which can cause rupture and fire. Three real-world crashes are presented wherein heavy trucks experienced a frontal impact, resulting in fire and serious injury. In each of these cases, testing was conducted on a production truck front structural assembly and compared to a similar FUPS equipped assembly. The effectiveness of FUPS in mitigating damage in these frontal crashes was assessed.
Language: en |