The principal study to be done by the University involves analysis of winter road management practices and their impact on trucking operations and equipment. It is estimated that corrosion caused by anti-icing chemicals costs the U.S. transportation industry $23 billion annually in terms of damage to trucks and highway infrastructure.

The study will evaluate the benefits, costs and detrimental effects of anti-icing methods and evaluate the corrosiveness and effectiveness of various chemical applications. The results will be used to educate affected parties in an effort to mitigate the consequences of corrosion.

The University will also be undertaking research on the load securement procedures to develop best-practices information and a study of the safety performance of longer-combination vehicles in the western states.

The Idaho Trucking Assn. will also begin working with area law enforcement and transportation officials to develop uniform accident reporting practices and procedures in western states where longer-combination vehicles operate.