Understanding Factors Influencing Truck Crashes with Vulnerable Road Users: A Panel Data Approach
Project Description
The purpose of this project is to define the spatial, temporal, and socio-economic 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 socio-economic 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.
Outputs
The proposed research will result in the following key deliverables:
• Technical Report: A comprehensive final report detailing the background, methodology, data analysis, findings, and policy recommendations aimed at fostering a safety culture to address truck-related accidents involving VRU.
• Academic Publication: A research paper to be published in a reputable transportation journal, contributing to the existing literature on traffic safety for VRU and freight transportation.
• Conference Presentation: A poster or oral presentation at a transportation conference, such as the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, to disseminate research findings in sessions focused on traffic safety and/or freight transportation.
• Educational Materials: Development of a case study and data analysis modules based on the research findings and methodology that can be integrated into existing graduate and undergraduate transportation courses at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the University of Mexico.
• Guest Lecture: Dr. Calderon will be invited to the University of New Mexico to deliver a lecture, either in person or virtually, to showcase the research and its implications for traffic safety and freight transportation.
• Technology Transfer: The research findings have the potential to be integrated into training sessions or workshops offered by the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a focus on improving safety for VRU in areas with significant truck activity.
Outcomes/Impacts
The outputs of this project will provide transportation agencies, policymakers, and practitioners with a data-driven framework for identifying and addressing the factors that elevate risks in truck–VRU crashes. Application of the findings can inform state and local safety action plans, guide infrastructure investments, and shape regulatory or policy measures that enhance protections for vulnerable road users while maintaining freight efficiency. The research is expected to improve roadway safety, reduce fatalities and serious injuries, and enable more effective allocation of resources through targeted interventions. In addition, the dissemination of results through publications, presentations, and educational materials will extend the project’s reach to both academic and professional audiences, fostering adoption of new practices. Ultimately, this research serves as a stepping stone toward the vision of zero traffic fatalities and contributes to building a transportation system that prioritizes the safety of all road users, especially the most vulnerable.
Dates
12/1/2025 to 11/30/2026
Universities
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of New Mexico
Principal Investigator
Oriana Calderon
ocaldero@utk.edu
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6206-880X
Project Partners
University of New Mexico
Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
Research Project Funding
Federal: $94,343.25
Non-Federal: $38,026.45
Contract Number
69A3552348336
Project Number
25UTK03
Research Priority
Promoting Safety