Articles tagged with Trucks
A five-year research project aims to help new bus operators succeed early in their driving careers and avoid health pitfalls. The study will assess working conditions, measure the impact of driving on eating, exercise, sleep, and weight, and provide tools for operators to stay healthy.
Researchers have developed a method to detect hydrohalite, a substance that forms on treated icy roads and cannot be removed by conventional salting. Using Raman instruments fitted with lasers, trucks can identify the presence of hydrohalite and switch to alternative de-icers, making roads safer for users.
A study by Oregon State University finds that truckers who can't find safe places to park and rest face significant economic costs, with at-fault crashes resulting in approximately $75 million of 'crash harm' over a 7-year period on one stretch of highway.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that fuel economy standards are not as difficult to meet as previously believed, with potential benefits including lower costs for consumers and automakers. The research also suggests that slightly slower acceleration times can significantly reduce overall emissions.
Following terrorist attacks in Paris and Nice, French experts highlighted the importance of a coordinated medical response, including improved victim identification processes and equipment. The authors also emphasized the need for psychological care and support for those affected, as well as preparedness for future attacks with evolvin...
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a system to harness waste energy from idling service vehicles, such as buses or delivery trucks, to reduce emissions. By capturing this energy, vehicles can be turned off without shutting down auxiliary systems like refrigeration and air conditioning units.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found high sulfur pollution along India's Manali-Leh Highway, suggesting a link to diesel pollution. The study, published in Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, showed that diesel exhaust contributes to acid rain and has environmental impacts even in remote areas.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model to determine the optimal time for transporting strawberry crops, reducing spoilage and increasing market value. The findings suggest that precision agriculture techniques can be applied to high-value fresh produce, motivating growers to explore new opportunities.
A RAND Corporation study found that convincing low-cost lunch truck operators to provide healthier meals is possible with proper training and support. The study showed that healthier meals can be profitable for food trucks, especially those targeting white-collar or residential areas, and that consumers give them high ratings.
Researchers developed a method to produce a metal nanopowder fuel with high energy content, stable in air and igniting only when ignited. The resulting material has an energy density of at least 89 kilojoules/milliliter, significantly superior to hydrocarbons.
A new study by University of Utah Health found that commercial truck drivers with three or more medical conditions are quadruple their chance of being in a crash compared to healthier drivers. The research suggests that a driver's poor health can increase the risk not only for themselves but also for others around them.
A study by Michigan State University found that investors can only accurately predict product performance 48-55% of the time after a preannouncement. Researchers discovered certain conditions, such as detailed and truthful preannouncements in less competitive industries, can improve stock market reactions to preannouncements.
Coca-Cola's 'Happy Holidays' truck tour was criticized by public health experts for promoting sugary drinks to children. The UK government is introducing an industry levy on full sugar soft drinks as part of its childhood obesity strategy.
MIT engineers analyzed a simple vehicle-platooning scenario and found that relatively simple scheduling policies can save fuel and minimize delays for autonomous vehicle fleets. The findings may also apply to conventional long-distance trucking and ride-sharing services.
The project aims to establish a theoretical framework for low-latency wireless communications, enabling the design of novel systems with improved efficiency. Current systems rely on large correction codes to protect against transmission errors, but future systems will exchange information in real-time, requiring shorter correction codes.
Researchers report two cases of accidents caused by playing Pokémon Go while driving and walking. Players became distracted by the game and lost control of their vehicles or swerved into obstacles. The study highlights the potential risks of augmented reality games on physical safety.
A new analysis by civil engineering faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign outlines the factors that led to the 2013 Interstate 5 bridge collapse in Washington. The study highlights the importance of updating databases to reflect minimum heights and implementing automated reporting systems to prevent similar accidents.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that as the economy recovers, fatal car crashes involving large trucks also rise. The research, led by Monica He, suggests that commercial trucks play a significant role in motor vehicle fatalities during better economic times.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology are developing a self-driving truck that uses animal-inspired behavior to improve safety and adaptability. The truck's software, OpenDLV, is designed to react to unexpected situations by mimicking the way animals respond to their environment.
A Midwest bakery's switch to propane from diesel resulted in significant petroleum displacement and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The Alpha Baking Company saved seven cents per mile on fuel costs with the new vehicles.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a connected-vehicle technology that enables vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure in real-time. This technology has the potential to significantly change how traffic is managed and how drivers experience the road, aiming to reduce crashes and pollution.
The largest study on sleep apnea and crash risk among commercial motor vehicle drivers found that failing to adhere to sleep apnea treatment increases truck driver crash risk by 5 times. The study supports establishing obstructive sleep apnea screening standards for all drivers through the commercial driver's medical exam.
Researchers found that truckers with OSA who didn't adhere to treatment had a five-fold increase in preventable crashes compared to healthy drivers. Regular screening and treatment can reduce large truck accidents, deaths, and injuries.
Researchers have found that truckers with obstructive sleep apnea who do not adhere to treatment have a significantly higher crash risk. The study, which analyzed over 1,600 drivers, found that these drivers were more than five times as likely to be involved in a severe crash compared to those who followed the treatment program.
A multi-year regional study at the University of Delaware suggests that home shopping has a greater impact on transportation sector than previously believed. The study found that online shopping leads to increased wear and tear on pavements and higher environmental pollution due to more delivery trucks on the roads.
A study by the University of Utah Health found that truck drivers with high pulse pressure and fatigue are at increased risk for crashes. Cell phone use while driving and unhealthy working conditions also contribute to crash risk.
The UR:BAN project is working on making traffic safer and more efficient by integrating cognitive assistance, connected traffic systems, and human factors. The researchers are also studying bicyclists' tactical behavior and developing information systems to present data to drivers.
A University of Texas at El Paso study found that fourth and fifth graders exposed to toxic air pollutants at home have lower GPAs. The researchers used data from 1,895 children living in El Paso, estimating their exposure to air pollutants like diesel exhaust.
A Queensland University of Technology-led workplace intervention program helped truckies eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight, resulting in a 15% decrease in drivers' BMI as obese. The program included healthy options in vending machines, free fruit supply, and the 10,000 steps challenge, leading to positive health outcomes an...
Switching to natural gas trucks could worsen climate impacts if not done efficiently, a study suggests. Methane emissions from the supply chain and engine inefficiencies pose significant challenges.
A Penn State researcher developed a simple model to select the right-sized boulder to stop a truck traveling at 30 miles per hour. The model considers factors like soil density and boulder displacement, accurately predicting an effective boulder size for embassy protection.
A study finds that frozen ground has declined by an average of two to three weeks since 1948, impacting logging operations. The decline is linked to climate change, causing uncertainty in winter harvests and increased costs for equipment and insurance.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that social and demographic factors, such as college graduates and diverse populations, contribute to the growth of gourmet food trucks. The study also reveals that cities with more craft breweries and farmer's markets tend to have more food trucks.
A study in Mato Grosso, Brazil found that farm managers who are aware of factors contributing to postharvest loss actually experience less grain loss. The main causes of loss include harvest speed, lack of truck maintenance, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Despite identifying these issues, many farmers do not prioritize loss red...
Researchers found that natural plant odors and human sources of pollution can conceal the scent of sought-after flowers, leading to energy and time losses for pollinators. The study used a chemical detection device to track flower odors in the wild and showed remarkable similar results in a lab wind tunnel test.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is designing an integration framework for vehicles to communicate with drivers and other cars on the roadway. The project aims to provide timely and relevant information to motorists, such as traffic warnings and weather alerts, while minimizing distractions.
A revised provision in new hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers has been shown to combat fatigue more effectively than the previous version. After a 2-night break, drivers with two or more nighttime periods in their restart breaks reported fewer lapses of attention and less sleepiness.
A systematic review of 36 studies found that truck drivers frequently use substances like alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, and cocaine while on the road. The prevalence varies widely depending on factors such as age, income, trip duration, and work conditions.
A federal study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has shifted daytime delivery truck traffic to off-hours, reducing congestion and improving supply chain management. The program benefits businesses, delivery companies, and the environment, with estimated annual emissions reductions of over 100 tons.
Researchers at PNNL have equipped four refrigerated trucks with hydrogen fuel cells to make deliveries in Texas, California, and New York. The project aims to reduce emissions and fuel costs, while creating jobs and increasing fuel cell manufacturing volume.
The Mobile Radiation Detection and Identification System (MRDIS) enables scanning of transshipped containers, making it difficult for terrorists to smuggle radioactive materials. Eight MRDIS units have been deployed worldwide, with plans to expand to two international airports next year.
The study reveals deeply concerning problems with the way workplaces are changing, including drivers' susceptibility to developing diabetes and other diseases. Truck drivers also face challenges such as federal regulations limiting their driving hours and pressure to meet market demands, which can lead to fatigue and health issues.
Researchers used GIS software to map Brazil's grain storage facilities and found significant undercapacity, particularly in the northern state of Mato Grosso. The study aims to determine optimal locations for additional storage, addressing postharvest losses and increasing production efficiency.
A new dispatch system could reduce trip lengths by two-thirds and get drivers back home more often, saving money on trucks needed to move freight. The system combines elements of point-to-point and relay networks to optimize load routing and minimize driver impact.
Researchers at Wayne State University are conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of differential speed limits for cars and trucks on Michigan's state freeways. The study aims to determine whether raising truck speed limits would improve safety or have negative effects on air quality, pavement quality, and freight operations.
A study found that commercial drivers with sleep apnoea reported lower levels of daytime sleepiness despite similar night-time disturbances. The drivers also received less treatment and made more unscheduled visits to the clinic, suggesting they were struggling with their symptoms.
A study by Adrian Bejan suggests that larger bodies tend to have longer lifespans and greater distances traveled. This applies to both animate and inanimate systems, with rivers, jets of air, and vehicles following a similar pattern.
Diesel technologies have drastically cut particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in new tractor trailer trucks, with reductions of 98% for NOx and 95% for PM. The emission cuts are attributed to exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction technologies.
Diana Lados, a WPI assistant professor, received a $525,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop new methods and tools for designing materials with confidence. Her goal is to increase the use of light metals in cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, and other transportation applications, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The National Sleep Foundation's 2012 poll found that 1 in 4 train operators and 23% of pilots admit to sleep-related job performance problems. Sleepiness has also been linked to safety issues, car accidents, and reduced workday sleep satisfaction.
A new MIT study suggests that electric vehicles can cost 9 to 12 percent less to operate than diesel engines for urban deliveries, leading to potential savings of $900 to $1,400 per truck per year. The study also explores the viability of vehicle-to-grid systems, which could provide additional revenue streams through power services.
The Urban Blast Tool uses pre-calculated pressure loads to predict damage patterns in surrounding areas, enabling first responders to prioritize their activities. The tool can calculate the initial blast loads in fine detail and store those results for later use.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that shifting truck-borne freight to trains could significantly improve air quality in the Midwest. The study estimates that reducing truck traffic by just 5% would lead to a 31% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking about 4 million cars off the road.
Geologists Jay Quade and his team discovered rubbing boulders in the Atacama Desert that have been smoothed by seismic activity over millions of years. The phenomenon, which resembles a crowded train station, answers long-standing questions about erosion and landscape evolution.
Researchers used a 16-foot-high steel bridge and four hydraulic shake tables to test the seismic behavior of a curved bridge with vehicles in place. The results will be used to frame changes to current codes and lead to safer bridges during strong earthquakes.
The Mid-Atlantic Dray Truck Replacement Program aims to double the impact of a federal cash-for-clunkers-style program by combining public and voluntary private contributions. The initiative will offer $15,000 to truckers for new vehicle down-payments and help arrange financing.
The new bike-sharing system aims to reduce traffic congestion and alleviate parking shortages, promote fitness, and enable good complementary public transportation. Tel Aviv University's research provides a mathematical model to scientifically manage bike availability, creating a more efficient and user-friendly system.
Scientists are developing high-tech lubricants and additives to reduce engine friction, which wastes 1 in every 10 gallons of gasoline. These new materials could improve car fuel economy by 3-5 percent, reducing oil waste and energy consumption.
Lorrie Cranor, a Carnegie Mellon professor, will address concerns about the invasive nature of location-sharing technologies and lack of accessibility to privacy controls. Her team's study found that many location-based services have no privacy policies posted on their websites.
The NIST Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals guide provides 10 necessary steps for small business security, including installing firewalls and backing up business data. By following these steps, small businesses can reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats and protect sensitive information.