Severity analysis of crashes involving in-state and out-of-state large truck drivers in Alabama: A random parameter multinomial logit model with heterogeneity in means and variances

The trucking sector contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the United States. Large trucks are primarily used for transporting goods within and across states. Despite its economic importance, large truck crashes constitute public safety concerns. To minimize the consequences, there is a need to understand the factors that contribute to the severity outcomes of truck-involved crashes. Since many large truck drivers transport goods across several states, the driver-centered crash factors are expected to differ between in-state and out-of-state drivers. For this reason, this study developed two random parameters multinomial logit models with heterogeneity in means and variances to examine the factors contributing to the severity of crashes involving in-state and out-of-state large truck drivers in Alabama. The study was based on the 2016–2020 large truck crashes in Alabama. After data cleaning and preparation, it was observed that approximately 20% of in-state and 23% of out-of-state large truck crashes were fatigue-related. There were more speeding related crashes (12.4%) among in-state large truck drivers, but the contribution of speeding to crash severity outcomes was only significant in the out-of-state model. More crashes related to red light running violation (14.2%) were observed among out-of-state drivers, pointing to the fundamental issues of fatigue and unfamiliarity with the operations of signalized intersections in Alabama. The study contributes to the literature on large truck crashes by uncovering the nuances in crashes involving in-state and out-of-state large truck drivers. Despite the seeming similarity in factors that influence crash outcomes, this study provides the basis for truck drivers’ training and communication campaigns on the differences that may exist in roadway characteristics from state to state. Also, policy formulations and strategies that prioritizes the well-being of the large truck drivers and creates a better working condition for them should be explored.