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Rollover and ejection are associated with heavy-truck occupant fatalities almost twice as frequently as with passenger-car occupant fatalities. A panel reviewed 41 in-depth cases to assess the possible effectiveness of restraint use and the contribution of rollover and ejection to the fatal injuries. The panel's responses indicated that belt use was expected to be particularly effective in preventing fatalities resulting from occupant ejection. A review of the proportion of ejections by model year indicated that 1972 model year and newer heavy trucks have about 20 percent fewer ejections than pre-1972 heavy trucks. Ejection through the doors was reduced by 80 percent. This difference seems to reflect the effectiveness of FMVSS 206, which required stronger door latches.

The implications of restricting axle loads to preserve pavements while at the same time allowing gross combination weights over 80,000 pounds are examined with respect to the design qualities of the types of heavy trucks that might be developed. The proposed vehicles would have more axles than current designs thereby achieving higher gross combination weights with smaller axle loads. Design factors influencing mobility, productivity, preservation of the highway infrastructure, and performance in safety-related maneuvers are discussed.