As the trucking industry continues to experience a surge in growth, more trucks are entering our roads. More trucks on the highway not only translates to a booming economy, but a greater potential for crashes as well.
AÂ truck accident can be a catastrophic event, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for those in passenger vehicles. Fortunately, tech innovations and safety trends are making it possible to minimize crashes and keep everyone safer on the road, and many of these futuristic safety features are already here.
How technology in the trucking industry is improving safety
New trucking technology is helping truck companies protect their fleets, their truck drivers, and all other drivers. By taking a look at the latest innovations and how they are helping improve safety across the industry, we can better understand the future of truck safety.
AI-based technologies
AI has certainly been a big help in a variety of industries. In trucking, using AI applications can help predict potential dangers. This can be used to help fleet managers find new ways to ensure safety by analyzing massive quantities of data. Using AI as a way to predict the potential for a crash may even help eliminate crashes in the future. It can also be used to make sure all drivers are meeting safety protocols and send appropriate alerts when they are not.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic stability control is an excellent innovation that can help prevent dangerous truck crashes. This technology can quickly analyze tire movement and steering to find a solution that keeps truck drivers from losing control of their vehicles and crashing. For example, it could apply the truck’s brakes to minimize a loss of traction.
Forward collision warning systems
These systems are designed to reduce the risks of an inattentive or distracted driver. Even seasoned truck drivers can be prone to boredom on the road, and after long hours, it may be hard to stay focused. When a truck driver fails to notice certain dangers, the forward collision warning system will alert the driver if they are too close to another vehicle and help prevent rear-end collisions.
The technology measures the distance between objects. When a truck equipped with this technology is in a dangerous position, the systems engage to warn the truck driver in time, allowing them to take the necessary actions to avoid a catastrophe.
Rear-view cameras
Rear-view cameras have been included as standard vehicle equipment on passenger vehicles for several years. Adding them to semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles is a lifesaving measure that can give truck drivers a clearer view of the road.
Trucks have many blind spots, which makes keeping track of all the vehicles around the driver challenging. With cameras, they have clear visibility behind them, allowing them to see approaching traffic or allowing them to backup without harming people or property. Many of these cameras are weather-proof as well, giving truck drivers an extra set of eyes when they need them most.
Can innovations in trucking put an end to truck crashes?
Every industry must evolve to continue improving as time moves on, and the trucking industry is no different. This industry must always keep looking for ways to improve safety for truck drivers and all other drivers on the road.
Trucking companies may need to make an initial investment into these technologies, but it will save them time and money in the long run. Truck crashes cause expensive damage and often lead to lawsuits filed by injured victims. These tools and digital devices can help eliminate some of the problems that lead to fatal crashes.
However, technology isn’t a foolproof solution that can prevent every crash. While it can add an additional measure of protection, it is up to trucking companies to ensure they hire qualified and well-trained drivers for the job. The truck drivers must abide by the rules and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which dictates the hours of service and other important safety factors.
Even with technology, it only takes one negligent trucking company, truck driver, or third-party cargo-loading company to cut corners. When that happens, it can lead to devastation on the road, especially when the cargo is hazardous. Technology cannot be used as a complete replacement for human beings when maneuvering these large, heavy vehicles on the road. The technology could malfunction, resulting in problems that the driver cannot control.
In short, technology may assist in trucking, but it should not be the only safety protocol used to prevent truck crashes.
