In a representatives tudy of some 1,200 accidents the accident characteristics of the truck were ascertained and priorities for partner-protection measures were derived from them.

A truck front protection in collisions with cars and side guards for pedestrians and motorcyclists are of paramount importance. The protective effect deduced by the rear underride protection hitherto and the necessity for further improvements is proved from the accident analyses.

So far only a few studies are available on the accident risks for the truck driver himself. In a representative valuation of accidents the injury patterns of truck drivers dependent on collision type and accident intensity are shown on the basis of 800 truck-collisions. This is followed by a discussion of the injury causes with regard to possible safety improvements. The active safety requirements of trucks resulting from accident studies and the possible effect of technical systems such as antilock braking systems, distance warning devices etc., are discussed. In the studies the distinction was also made between the various truck categories.