Dowload documents related to CVWS Training

Wheel Separations from Commercial Vehicles: Experiences in Ontario

Wheel separations from commercial vehicles continue to be tracked in Ontario since the spotlight was first put on this issue in 1995 when several fatalities occurred due to separated wheels. It was recognized that wheel separations were a significant problem that needed to be addressed. This paper presents the statistics regarding the year to year trends, variation in occurrences between different vehicle types, wheel equipment, and modes of separation. As well there is an overview of the research that has occurred on this subject over the years, various remedies being pursued, and the government and industry response in Ontario to this on-going problem.

HEAVY VEHICLE WHEEL SEPARATIONS: EXPLORING THE CAUSES

Large truck wheel separations have resulted in 6 fatalities in the Province of Ontario, Canada since 1995. As a

result of public concern, and by concluding that the wheel separations were the result of sub-standard

maintenance practices, the Province of Ontario enacted severe penalties in an effort to reduce the problem.

Despite the new measures and a significant effort from industry to improve wheel maintenance practices, wheel

separations continue to occur in Ontario at a rate of 7 reported incidents per month. This paper examines the

heavy truck wheel separation problem and discusses some unique technical factors that may be influencing the

integrity of wheel systems.

TECHNICAL INSPECTION FINDINGS

WHEEL DETACHED FROM BUSABOUT BUS MO5184

Office of Transport Safety Investigations - Australia