Articles tagged with Trucks
A study of nearly 70,000 motor carrier drivers and over 83,000 non-motor-carrier drivers found that mandatory alcohol testing programs reduced alcohol involvement in fatal crashes by 23%. The study's findings suggest that implementation of such programs can improve safety records in the US and other countries.
The University of Nevada, Reno's Seismological Lab is conducting a seismic survey through downtown Reno to create an earthquake hazard map. The team, led by Professor John Louie, is using industry techniques to map suspected faults and confirm previous findings.
The Efficient Load project aims to harmonize capacity utilization and trip planning in a single step, significantly improving truck use and reducing energy costs. The new system is expected to reduce ton-kilometers by 15-20% and integrate seamlessly with existing software.
The AIAA Journal of Energy was commended by the Space Foundation for its role in disseminating NASA's aerodynamic vehicle design technology, which reduced drag and increased fuel efficiency. The journal's publication played a key role in widely adopting the technology in the trucking industry.
A new study confirms obesity-driven testing strategies can identify commercial truck drivers with high likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting mandatory screenings could reduce truck crashes. The study also highlights the need for prohibition of 'doctor shopping' to ensure drivers receive treatment.
Researchers found increased levels of pathogenic bacteria on surfaces and in the air inside cars behind trucks carrying broiler chickens. The study, published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health, suggests a real exposure potential for antibiotic-resistant organisms, particularly during summer months when windows are open.
The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative has received $11 million from Google.org and The Skoll Foundation to implement a pandemic early warning system. GVFI's strategy aims to track emergent pandemics to their source, providing potentially vital months or years of advanced warning before the next HIV or SARS emerges.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute are adapting their self-driving vehicle technology to create autonomous haul trucks for Caterpillar's largest haul trucks, each with payload capacities of 240 tons or more. The goal is to provide productivity gains through consistency in processes and improve mine safety.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are developing fuel-saving technologies that could improve fuel efficiency by 8-12 percent in heavy trucks. These active flow control techniques, combined with conventional aerodynamic streamlining, have the potential to save between 1.6 and 2.4 billion gallons of fuel per year.
A new study suggests that toll road privatization could result in more crashes and increased costs associated with the use of other roads. The study found that higher tolls on privatized roads would divert trucks to local roads, potentially increasing safety risks and maintenance costs.
Researchers developed an independent measurement system using cameras, microphones, and laser scanners to evaluate the performance of advanced collision warning systems. The NIST technology detected objects within eight-tenths of a meter from up to 60 meters away at speeds of up to 56 mph.
A RAND Corporation study finds that advanced diesel technology outperforms hybrid technology, which in turn beats gasoline-powered cars. Diesel vehicles provide larger savings for consumers and society, while hybrids offer moderate-to-small benefits.
A USC study found that driving in LA can expose people to harmful air pollutants for up to half their day. The biggest contributors are diesel-fueled trucks on freeways and hard accelerations on surface streets.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute aim to alleviate daytime traffic congestion by shifting truck deliveries to off-hours, reducing emissions and increasing business competitiveness. The project will use technology and economic incentives to persuade businesses to participate in the program.
The technology produces hydrogen by adding water to an alloy of aluminum and gallium, with the gallium component hindering the formation of an oxide skin that prevents oxygen from reacting with aluminum. This allows for the reaction to continue until all the aluminum is used to generate hydrogen on demand.
Researchers found that light trucks, including SUVs and minivans, produced 0.5-0.6% more toxic air pollutants than conventional cars in a downtown Baltimore parking garage. The study provides new insights into the health risks of vehicle-related air pollution in urban settings.
A team of Penn State engineers discovered that combining coal with papermaking black liquor waste creates a synthesis gas that can be converted into DME, a clean-burning fuel. This process reduces the carbon footprint of traditional coal-to-liquid processes and offers a more efficient alternative to burning black liquor for heat.
Double cycling, a technique that loads and unloads ships simultaneously, has the potential to increase port efficiency by up to 20% and reduce crane trips by half. By loading and unloading containers at the same time, trucks can drop off one container while picking up another, reducing the need for additional truck trips.
A study by Netherlands researcher Taede Tillema found that households and companies adjust car journeys to avoid pay-as-you-drive tolls, reducing non-daily shopping trips by 19% and work journeys during rush hour by 15%. The most effective measure is a kilometres-driven toll during rush hour or tolls on specific sections of road.
A new automated system installs raised pavement markers (RPMs) along lane stripes while in motion, reducing risk to workers and drivers. The system is less labor-intensive, faster, and safer than manual placement, using less fuel and causing less wear on equipment.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that drivers pass closer to cyclists wearing helmets than those without, increasing the risk of a collision. The research suggests that drivers perceive cyclists with helmets as more experienced and predictable, leading them to leave less space.
A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.
A study of 340 drivers found that chronic short sleep duration and severe sleep apnea increase the risk of sleepiness, performance impairment, and decreased task vigilance while driving. The researchers suggest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should implement plans to identify and treat sleep-impaired drivers.
A new study from the University of Utah Health found that children are more likely to be hit by minivans and trucks than by cars while playing in driveways. The research highlights the importance of educating parents and young children about safe play and established rules.
A recent Penn State study suggests that increasing the truck driver's hours of service beyond 10 hours leads to a significant rise in the risk of crashes. The most concerning increase occurs within the 9th, 10th, and 11th hours of driving.
The Idle-Free Quiet Zone Campaign, now in its fourth year, aims to reduce unnecessary idling in commercial vehicles. The 15-week campaign promotes techniques such as separate cab heaters and engine timers to minimize fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing a portable machine to optimize CPR procedures using optimal control theory. They are also creating a simple probe that can detect toxic compounds in minutes. The lab's Nanoscience Center is open for business, providing computational resources for nanoscience research.
Studies show that high back booster seats provide a 58% reduction in injury risk to children aged 4-8, while increased rear row occupancy reduces risk by up to 58%. Children riding in passenger cars and light trucks face increased risk of serious injury in side-impact crashes.
Researchers found that elephants imitate sounds they hear, similar to other species with complex social systems. This ability enables open communication and shared associations among individuals, suggesting that elephants may use vocal learning to maintain individual-specific relationships.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed aerodynamic improvements and flow control techniques that can reduce fuel consumption in heavy trucks by as much as 11-12 percent. The technologies, inspired by systems originally developed for jet aircraft wings, also enhance braking and directional control, potentially imp...
A simulation study by Penn State found that underride guards with diagonal struts increase impact resistance, while a height of 16 inches provides the best balance between risk reduction and vehicle penetration. The study aimed to inform the development of rear crash protection devices for heavy trucks.
NIST researchers are investigating detection devices to detect dirty bombs and radiation threats, ensuring accuracy in various conditions. The new standards will improve the calibration of detectors, reducing errors in measuring high, medium, or low energy radiation sources.
A recent study suggests that roads are a major threat to US turtle populations, with over 5% of turtles likely to die while crossing roads. The researchers recommend establishing buffer zones around aquatic habitats and building road crossings to mitigate this issue.
Cleanup workers at Ground Zero reported widespread respiratory symptoms, including coughing and wheezing, after working on the site. Lung function results showed no extensive impairment among workers, but long-term health risks remain unknown due to potential exposure to other airborne contaminants.
Researchers at U.Va. have identified a new component called Npap60 that helps load cargo and ensures correct delivery into the cell nucleus. The study reveals an unusual switch mechanism that allows the protein to distinguish between different nuclear entry codes.
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that children inside compact extended cab pickup trucks are nearly five times more likely to suffer injuries during a crash. The research highlights the unique hazards posed by these vehicles, including side-facing jump seats and insufficient padding.
A computer-controlled differential braking system can stabilize vehicles by reducing spin, which causes rollovers. The system has been developed to adjust brake forces on the right and left sides of the cab independently.
Researchers are developing a new mobile radar system called SMART-R to track tornadoes and hurricanes. The system will enable more accurate predictions of storm movements and intensities, helping to save lives by issuing warnings earlier.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have applied aerodynamic concepts from aircraft to tractor-trailers, reducing drag by up to 50% and improving directional control, traction, and braking. The Circulation Control system uses compressed air to create lift and reduce rolling resistance, with potential fuel savings of up to 12%.
Research by Dr. C. A. Tuggle found that many TV news directors and reporters believe high-tech 'toys' are being used to extend coverage beyond a story's real value. The study also shows that live reporting is becoming more common, but often ratings poorly with viewers.
Driver fatigue is a leading threat to road safety, with at least 100,000 crashes and 1,500 fatalities attributed to it annually. New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that fatigued drivers become increasingly susceptible to accidents long before they fall asleep at the wheel.
A study investigated the impact of local/short-haul operations on driver fatigue, identifying fatigu e and roadway design as top safety concerns. The research aimed to gain an understanding of general safety issues in L/SH trucking from drivers' perspectives.
Alaska's snowmobiles carry higher injury death rates than on-road motor vehicles, with factors like alcohol intoxication, lack of helmets, and trail limitations contributing to the high risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a fast, low-cost inspection system that uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect damaged tires. The system can evaluate and characterize damage within the tire, determining its remaining useful life and whether it's worth retreading.
The study found that lime-yellow fire trucks have a lower accident rate than red ones. The most visible color, lime-yellow, was chosen for its strong sensitivity curve in daylight and nighttime vision, enabling rapid reaction. Improved visibility through safer fire truck colors can be achieved without added cost.
A study found that most tractor-trailer truck right-turn warning signs only partially follow human factors guidelines. The researchers created a list of improved sign elements, including a signal word and pictorial representation of consequences. This article aims to design better warnings for safer road interactions.