Heavy rigid vehicle stability and dynamics

An introduction programme for drivers of heavy motor vehicles

Objectives and introduction

Objectives

When you have completed this study guide, you will be able to:

1. describe the dynamics of heavy rigid motor vehicles
2. describe the handling characteristics of heavy rigid motor vehicles
3. describe safe driving techniques, taking into consideration the dynamics of heavy motor vehicles.

Introduction

New Zealand has a high incidence of rollover and loss-of-control crashes for distance travelled compared with other countries such as the United States and Canada. Rollovers occurred in 29 percent of the heavy vehicle crashes attended by the New Zealand Police Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit between July 1996 and November 1999.

This high number of rollover and loss-of-control crashes reflects New Zealand's difficult driving conditions. The country has more bridges, corners and hills per 100 kilometres of road, and fewer divided highways, than most other developed countries.

Drivers of large vehicles have an obligation to drive considerately and professionally at all times. Rollovers in single-vehicle crashes involving trucks often reflect the drivers' poor appreciation of the general dynamics and stability issues of the vehicle.

Page created: 15 February 2009