Understanding Factors Influencing Truck Crashes with Vulnerable Road Users: A Panel Data Approach
The purpose of this project is to define the spatial, temporal, and socioeconomic factors that most significantly contribute to truck-related accidents involving vulnerable road users (VRU) and to determine how variations in these factors alter the frequency of crashes. VRUs, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, are at the greatest risk when interacting on roadways, and accidents involving trucks and VRUs very frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities. This research will be conducted in New Mexico and Tennessee, both served by major interstate highways and characterized by unique economic patterns. To achieve this, the research will employ panel data regression analysis using crash records from both states, combined with socioeconomic and economic activity indicators at the Zip Code level. The dependent variable will be the frequency of truck-related accidents involving VRUs, while independent variables will include demographic, economic, and contextual factors, with controls such as weather conditions. The models will be tested for robustness, and results from the two states will be compared to identify context-specific patterns and to develop policy recommendations that enhance roadway safety for VRUs.
- Record URL:
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $94,343.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348336
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Project Managers:
Stearns, Amy
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Performing Organizations:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Center for Transportation Research (CTR)
Knoxville, TN United States 37996 -
Principal Investigators:
Calderon, Oriana
- Start Date: 20251201
- Expected Completion Date: 20261130
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bicycle safety; Pedestrian safety; Regression analysis; Socioeconomic factors; Truck crashes; Vulnerable road users
- Geographic Terms: New Mexico; Tennessee
- Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01971438
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348336
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Nov 17 2025 4:15PM