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Contents / EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................. 1 INTRODUCTION . 10 Origin and Scope of the Study, 13 Method of the Study, 15 Organization of the Report, 16 References, 16 2 HISTORICAL AND REGULATORY BACKGROUND ......................17 Truck Size and Weight Laws Before 1983, 18 Trends in Truck Use and Size, Highway Development, and Accidents, 30 The 1983 Federal Truck Size and Weight Provisions, 48 References, 60 3 USE CHARACTERISTICS AND COST IMPACTS .........................63 Structure of the Motor Carrier Industry, 64 Historical Use Characteristics, 74 The Market for Twins, 87 Market Penetration Studies, 94 Future Use of Twins, 98 Reduced Freight Transportation Costs, 106 References, 109
4 SAFETY IMPACTS . 112 Factors Affecting Large-Truck Accidents, 113 Safety of Twins and of Longer and Wider Tractor- Semitrailers Compared with Other Combinations, 116 Recent Twin Trailer Truck Safety Experience, 135 Systemwide Safety Effects, 149 References, 155 5 HIGHWAY CONDITION, OPERATIONS, AND DESIGN IMPACTS ........157 Deterioration of Highway Facilities, 158 Highway Operations, 175 Highway Design and Construction, 177 Environment, 181 References, 183 6 LONG-TERM MONITOIUNG ............................................185 Applications and Types of Data Required, 187 Available Data Resources and Their Limits, 189 Recommendations for Improving Truck Data, 194 References, 199 7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ........................................201 Effects of Nationwide Legalization of Twins, 201 Distribution of Benefits and Costs of Expanded Use of Twins, 204 Twins Safety in the Context of Overall Truck Safety, 206 Opportunities for Improving Truck Safety, 208 GLOSSARY OF TRUCKING AND HIGHWAY TERMS ........................212 APPENDIX A Sections of Highway Laws Relating to Truck Size and Weight.................................................................. 223 APPENDIX B Implementation of the Designated Network .............. 233 APPENDIX C Use Characteristics and Cost Impacts: Literature Review 254 APPENDIX D Truck Handling and Stability: Literature Review ........ 270 APPENDIX E Traffic Operations: Literature Review .................... 284 APPENDIX F Accident Rates of Twins: Literature Review ............. 304 APPENDIX G Accident Severity Literature Review and Analysis of Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety Accident Reports .....................330
APPENDIX H Driver Survey Questionnaire . 349 APPENDIX I Pavement Effects of Different Vehicle Weights, Weight Distributions, and Axle ArrangementsâAn Example .................356 APPENDIX J Effects of Twins and Other Large Trucks on Bridges and Culverts................................................................. 362 APPENDIX K Effects of Twins and Other Large Trucks on Highway Shoulders and Roadside Appurtenances ................................373 APPENDIX L Relationships Between Geometric Design and Large- Truck Characteristics ...................................................376 STUDY COMMITTEE BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ......................383
