This study, released in August of 2006, was the first national study that determined the reasons and associated factors contributing to serious large-truck crashes. It examined 1,070 crashes from 4/1/01 to 12/31/03 involving 2,284 vehicles. This sample represented 241,000 vehicles involved in 120,000 crashes. For each incident, information was collected for approximately 1,000 variables, and detailed descriptions of the crash environments and key factors that led to each crash were also recorded. This study concluded that 33% of large truck crashes were due to "another motor vehicle being in the lane", and that 31% were as a result of driver recognition or decision making. Understanding the causes of these crashes has helped Velvac develop camera-based vision systems that provide drivers with an intuitive driving experience that improves driver field of view, eliminates blind spots and results in a safer driving experience.
