Methods for continuous monitoring of compliance of vehicles’ technical condition with safety requirements during operation

The technical condition of vehicles may result in road traffic accidents (RTAs) with the most severe consequences. In this connection, despite the statistically low share of such accidents in the overall number of RTAs, systems for the inspection of the technical condition of vehicles in operation by traffic safety parameters are organized and operated. The article suggests a formal mathematical approach to evaluating the efficiency of such systems. We describe the existing organization of systems based on periodic inspection. We also describe the state of the Russian system for the inspection of the technical condition of vehicles in operation, and the effects of constant reforms on its performance. Based on the disadvantages identified, we substantiate the need and feasibility to implement continuous monitoring of the technical condition of vehicles. Using RTA statistics, we provide a rationale for parameters of such monitoring, which relate to the braking system and steering. Methods of their continuous monitoring are suggested. They do not require vehicle design alterations and imply the use of signals from on-board sensors. Results of the experimental testing of these methods are given.