On June 8, 2026 in Fargo, ND a series of Crash Tests were conducted as part of the MATAI (Midwest Association of Technical Accident Investigators) 2026 Conference.
This is a two part test, where two vehicles are on a roadway with limited visability when a Tractor Trailer crossing the roadway in front of them had to come to a stop. Due to the limited visibility (fog? “dust storm”? Heavy rain? Heavy blowing snow?) the stopped trailer is not seen by the oncoming vehicle drivers. The fist impact had a 2011 Buick Lucerne Under Riding a VAN Trailer at ~20-21 mph
The Buick Lucerne Instrumented Delta-v was ~20-21 mph
The Trailer Calculated Delta-v was ~3-4 mph due to the impact. The Trailer duals had movement of ~ 2-4 inches
Following the first impact, a following vehicle approaches the collision scene, observes the brake lights of the Lucerne ahead of it, and tries to pass on the right resulting on a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva Under Riding a VAN Trailer at ~18-19 mph
The Chevrolet Captiva Instrumented Delta-v was ~17-18 mph
The Trailer Calculated Delta-v was ~2-3 mph due to the impact. The Trailer duals had movement of ~4-5 inches
Additional data and photographs can be found here – https://www.4n6xprt.com/MATAI_2026.htm
Test 2-4 – Buick Lucerne Trailer Under Ride
Test 2-5 – Chevrolet Captiva Trailer Under Ride