Maximum forces sustained during various methods of exiting commercial tractors, trailers and trucks

Many commercial vehicles have steps and grab-rails to assist the driver in safely entering/exiting the vehicle. However, many drivers do not use these aids. The purpose of this study was to compare impact forces experienced d uring various exit methods from commercial equipment. The study investigate d impact forces of ten male subjects while exiting two tractors, a step-van , a box-trailer, and a cube-van. The results showed that exiting from cab-l evel or trailer-level resulted in impact forces as high as 12 times the sub ject's body weight; whereas, fully utilizing the steps and grab-rails resul ted in impact forces less than two times body weight. An approach that emph asizes optimal design of entry/exit aids coupled with driver training and e ducation is expected to minimize exit-related injuries. (C) 1999 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.