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Fatal and serious collisions involving pedal cyclists and trucks in London between 2007 and 2011 |
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| Authors: | Rachel Talbot Steve Reed Nicola Christie Jo Barnes Pete Thomas |
| Institution: | 1. Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom;2. Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Centre for Transport Studies, University College London, London, United Kingdom |
| Abstract: | Objective: Increased numbers of people riding pedal cycles have led to a greater focus on pedal cycle safety. The aim of this article is to explore factors that are associated with fatal and a small number of serious-injury pedal cyclist crashes involving trucks that occurred in London between 2007 and 2011. Methods: Data were collected from police collision files for 53 crashes, 27 of which involved a truck (≥3.5 tonnes) and a pedal cycle. A systematic case review approach was used to identify the infrastructure, vehicle road user, and management factors that contributed to these crashes and injuries and how these factors interacted. Results: Trucks turning left conflicting with pedal cyclists traveling straight ahead was a common crash scenario. Key contributory factors identified included the pedal cyclists not being visible to the truck drivers, road narrowing, and inappropriate positioning of pedal cyclists. Conclusions: Crashes involving trucks and pedal cyclists are complex events that are caused by multiple interacting factors; therefore, multiple measures are required to prevent them from occurring. |
| Keywords: | Cyclist trucks crash contributory factors road safety fatality |