Fatal crash rate for large trucks declines to new low

While there has been plenty of concern over the safety of big trucks, the ATA office of public affairs reports that some measures of big truck safety have fallen to new lows...the type of lows that are good news.

According to the ATA...

Three of the primary measures of large truck safety fell to record lows in 2006, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Newly released Federal Highway Administration vehicle mileage figures, used to determine annual crash rates, showed that the large truck-involvement rate in fatal crashes, the fatality rate and the fatal crash rate for large trucks each declined to its lowest level since the U.S. Department of Transportation began tracking large truck safety records in 1975.

“These figures illustrate the effectiveness of the trucking industry’s continuous efforts to increase safety on the nation’s highways,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “The motor carrier commitment to safety and industry outreach efforts are playing major roles in improving highway safety for all drivers.”

The 2006 fatal crash rate for large trucks stood at 1.93 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle-miles-traveled. This breaks the previous low of 1.97 fatal crashes per 100 million vehicle-miles-traveled in 2002.

The large truck-involvement rate fell to 2.12 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 2.21 a year earlier. The fatality rate declined to 2.24 per 100 million vehicle-miles-traveled, down from 2.34 in 2005. The fatal crash rate measures the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks per 100 million miles traveled. The large truck involvement rate measures the number of trucks involved in fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled. The fatality rate measures the number of deaths in truck-involved crashes per 100 million miles traveled.

Improving safety figures are set against a backdrop of an increased number of vehicles on the nation’s roadways. According to FHWA, there were nearly 3 million more registered cars and trucks in 2006 than in 2005.

Source: American Trucking Association

International Lonestar truck debuts at Chicago Auto Show

When a new truck is described as having a "deep-throated roar", chances are that its look are imposing as its sound. Take a good look at the new International Lonestar, recently unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, and decide for yourself.

The front of the Lonestar might look a little familiar, because it was inspired by one of International's early models and a legend in trucking history.

According to International Trucks...

The distinctive grille and sloped hood were inspired by International’s D-Series trucks, which helped transform America’s cross-country transportation in the early 20th Century. A restored and modified example of that truck, the DMAXX, also is on display at the International booth.

The deep-throated roar of a big bore diesel engine wrapped in a sleek chrome grill announced the arrival of the world’s most innovative big-rig truck. Navistar International Corporation unveiled its International brand’s new flagship product, the visually stunning and technologically advanced International LoneStar, at the Chicago Auto Show.

With a striking, aerodynamic appearance and breakthrough functional innovations inside and out, the International LoneStar is the result of extensive customer research and automotive-inspired design – a new truck that changes the game for today’s trucking professional. It creates a new category of Class 8 trucks called “Advanced Classic,” in which technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency. LoneStar also sets a higher standard for comfort – through improved ergonomics, an industry-leading suspension, advanced electronics and a quiet cab.

“This truck is unlike anything on the road today,” said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. “The International LoneStar closes the gap between work style and lifestyle for driving professionals, combining peak productivity with emotional appeal. It is the product of Navistar’s culture of relentless innovation, and embodies the spirit both of today’s driving professionals and the dynamic, transforming energy inside our company.”

Source: International Trucks