CMVRTC: Motorcoach Tire Analysis
Goal:
To evaluate the issue of tire wear in motorcoaches, provide data for industry guidance, and establish regulators on minimum acceptable condition, preventative maintenance (PM) practices, and safe tire performance.
Background:
Tire issues contribute significantly to motor carrier bus crashes. Rollover crashes result in serious injuries and fatalities, and roadside restrictions result in a lack of inspections. Insufficient law enforcement inspections create a need for increased tire safety performance standards and monitoring of motor carriers' PM programs.
Summary:
This study will evaluate the issue of tire wear in motorcoaches and explore possible technologies for monitoring tire conditions (e.g., inflation sensors, tools for inspection, temperature sensors). Reductions in tire-related motor carrier crashes will reduce serious bus crashes and associated fatalities. Due to the general lack of inspection data on buses, and the very few operational inspections being conducted on buses, there is a need for greater emphasis on minimum acceptable bus PM and repair standards.
Outcomes:
Final report.
Milestones: |
Completed: |
| October 2017: Kick-off meeting | ☑ |
| January 2018: Literature review of tire sensor technologies complete | ☑ |
| January 2018: Initial test plan - on-road, test track testing of 2014 Prevost X3-45 | ☑ |
| March 2018: Motorcoach testing begins | ☑ |
| April 2019: Final briefing | ☑ |
| May 2019: Draft guidance document complete | ☑ |
| July 2019: Final report complete | ☑ |
Funding:
FY17 Funding: $200,000
Project Manager:
For more information, contact Chris Flanigan of the Technology Division at 202-385-2384 or chris.flanigan@dot.gov.
Contractor:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Last updated: Friday, February 21, 2020