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greater mass and longer length compared to passenger cars. These characteristics partly

contribute to their over-representation in traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

This study examined the factors contributing to occupant injury severity experienced in this
crash type. We found that severe injury in occupants is more likely to be associated with

females, younger (16-24) and older (65+) adults, occupants not wearing safety restraints and
being ejected from the vehicle, lone drivers, occupants in vehicles with major and extensive

damage, vehicles that catch fire, motorcycles and vehicles impacted on the right front door

area, and occupants in crashes at night, crashes on higher speed roads and crashes attended by
police.

To improve heavy vehicle safety, transport authorities, road safety professionals, fleet
managers and occupational safety officers in the trucking industry should consider upgrading

the fleet to newer heavy vehicles, and encouraging driving or travelling partners for drivers.
Education and training campaigns targeted at heavy vehicle drivers, and highlighting the

safety of other road users, especially motorcyclists, should also be considered, together with
training on fire prevention and fire emergency procedures. Education and training campaigns

to increase restraint use and highlight the dangers of driving at night should also be

considered. In addition, education and training programs should also be targeted at younger
and older drivers.

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