Trucking Accident Reconstruction & Testing
The heavy trucking industry has long been a core business focus
for ATA. We have supported hundreds of cases, establishing an
extensive historical base of trucking accident reconstruction,
trucking accident investigation and collection of analysis data,
including our expanded heavy truck ECM/Black Box download
and analysis capabilities. Additionally, ATA has been active in
research and testing of truck performance
and crashworthiness
issues, as well as trucking safety
and driver safety training.
In 1994 we participated in jointly sponsored crash testing with TAARS, SOAR, WATI and Texas A&M University to demonstrate rear-end impacts to automobiles by heavy tractors. Additionally, those tests demonstrated tractor braking capabilities. Low impact tests between tractor-trailers and small passenger vehicles in 1998 and bobtail tractor braking tests in 2000 added to our base of knowledge.
In 1996 we conducted two full days of tests sponsored by Dart-Fleetline trucking with the cooperation of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. These included 2 days of vehicle crash tests with 3 tractor-trailers units and six automobiles involved in over 20 impact scenarios. Tests focused on parallel moving side impacts between truck and cars, side under-ride impacts of cars to trailers, frontal impacts between cars and tractors, rear-end impacts of cars to trailers and turning performance of tractor-trailer rigs.
In 2000 and 2001 ATA conducted additional acceleration, braking and turning tests at Houston Community College Trucking School in Houston, Texas. Those tests were a part of an ongoing relationship with academic institutions in an effort to advance knowledge and trucking safety. Involvement with national, state and local trucking organizations through safety meetings, seminars and training sessions and support to the National Truck Driving Championships helps us keep our finger on the pulse of the trucking industry. Our team members are regular attendees and supporters of the Texas Motor Transportation Association, American Trucking Association, and the Houston Counsel of Safety Professionals.
ATA has been a strong advocate for the trucking industry through participation in safety forums and defense of trucking companies but has also stood firm on our commitment to safety and responsibility in the industry. With fairness and objectivity as our watchwords, ATA supports defense and plaintiff work in the trucking arena while continually supporting positive, proactive safety efforts.
Our technical experts have extensive experience in reconstructing heavy trucking accidents and analysis, and are supported by state of the art equipment to assure the best in accuracy and quality.
