Low Speed Acceleration of the Kenworth T600 Tractor Truck

The time/distance relationship for heavy trucks starting from a stopped position is often needed to accurately assess the events leading up to a collision. A series of tests were conducted to document tractor/trailer low speed acceleration performance. The vehicles were instrumented with a DATRON speed sensor and engine RPM was also documented. This paper presents the data from these tests and discusses the acceleration profile of heavy trucks in general.