Exploring Crash Causation for Large Truck-Involved Accidents: A Hierarchical Framework

This paper aims to contribute to the literature by conducting a causation study for large-truck involved crashes. Detailed records of crashes involving large trucks occurred in the state of Florida between 2007 and 2016 were investigated. A hierarchical framework was developed to identify primary causes and contributing factors to large truck crashes. The framework identified six general categories of potential causes to a crash, including driving error, non-driving error, driver distraction or vision obstruction, vehicle defect, roadway conditions, and weather conditions. The application of the framework was illustrated in two case studies including a highway segment and an intersection with a high concentration of large truck crashes. The findings can be used to better understand the underlying factors contributing to large truck crashes and develop potential countermeasures and policies that target specific roadway segments.