Analysis of Large Truck Crashes in California

Research Team: Stephen Ritchie (lead), Youngeun Bae, and Craig Rindt

UC Campus(es): UC Irvine

Problem Statement: Large trucks are indispensable for freight transportation and economic growth, but create notable safety challenges on roadways. In California, despite representing only 2.5% of the vehicle population and 5.6% of vehicle miles traveled, large trucks accounted for 9.1% of fatal crashes in 2020, causing 372 deaths and 8,350 injuries. Existing studies on truck crashes in California are outdated or limited in scope. Furthermore, research addressing truck crashes in disadvantaged communities is lacking.

Project Description: This project aims to fill these knowledge gaps by conducting a comprehensive exploratory analysis of large truck crashes using recent databases, including the Highway Safety Information System, the Motor Carrier Management Information System, the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, and CalEnviroScreen. The research will focus on two primary objectives: 1) understanding the factors associated with the frequency and severity of large truck crashes in California, and 2) examining the disparities in crash rates and severity between disadvantaged communities and other regions. Employing exploratory analysis techniques, supplemented by potential statistical modeling, the research team will investigate diverse factors, including vehicle, driver, trucking company, infrastructure, and environmental attributes.

Status: In Progress

Budget: $100,000