Narrative text analysis to identify technologies to prevent motor vehicle crashes: Examples from military vehicles

IntroductionThe purpose of this research is to describe the leading circumstances of military vehicle crashes to guide prioritization and implementation of crash avoidance and/or warning technologies.MethodsA descriptive study using narrative text analysis on 3,944 military vehicle crash narratives. Crash data on drivers, from 2001 to 2006, were assembled from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center. Reviewers collected information on the circumstances of crashes and determined if vehicle technology could have prevented the crash.ResultsNearly 98% of the crashes were nonfatal; 63% occurred in the U.S. and 24% in Iraq. Among crash events where the direction of the impact was recorded, 32% were to the front of the vehicle and 16% involved a vehicle being rear-ended. Rollovers were mentioned in 20% of the narratives. Technology was determined to have the potential to prevent 26% of the crashes, with the forward collision warning system, rear end collision avoidance, emergency brake assistance, and rollover stability control system likely to have the greatest impacts.ConclusionsSome technologies available for civilian vehicles may prevent certain military crash circumstances.Impact on IndustryThe results of this research are significant in light of ongoing global military operations that rely on military vehicles. Improving the preventive technology featured on military vehicles may be an effective strategy to reduce the occurrence of military crashes.

► We conducted a narrative text analysis on military vehicle crash data.
► We aimed to determine if crash avoidance technology could prevent military crashes.
► Crash avoidance technology prevented at least 26% of military vehicle crashes.
► The forward collision warning system may prevent the greatest number of crashes.
► Crash avoidance technology could help reduce the occurrence of military crashes.