Technology is developing at the speed of light and this rapid development has left a mark on our daily lives. Nowadays, thanks to technology, we learn differently, we’re able to work from anywhere and we spend much less time doing our chores. Apart from saving us time, technology also keeps us safe, especially if we’re talking about driving.
Road accidents happen so frequently that we’ve almost become accustomed to them(which is not a good sign). Car accidents are by far the most common, but recently, with the rise of employment opportunities in the trucking industries, the number of truck accidents has also been on the rise.
Truck accidents are a significant concern in the transportation industry, causing fatalities, severe injuries, and economic losses each year. Large commercial trucks play a crucial role in the US supply chain, but their size and weight make accidents especially dangerous.
Fortunately, advancements in technology are helping to reduce the frequency and severity of these incidents. From collision avoidance systems to weather-adaptive technologies, innovation is making roads safer for truck drivers and other motorists.
We’ll explore these different advancements and see exactly how we can utilize them best to reduce the number of road accidents and ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians as well.
Why trucking accidents happen
There are several reasons why truck accidents occur, many of which stem from human error, environmental factors, and mechanical failures. Being a truck driver is no easy task and although many see only the positive sides of the job such as the high salary, there are many disadvantages that come with the job.
First of all, truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to exhaustion and slower reaction times. Also, the use of mobile devices, in-cab distractions, and even eating or drinking can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
For truck drivers, issues such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and engine problems happen quite often and lead to accidents.
In 2022, there were 5,837 fatal truck accidents, which was a significant increase when compared to the years prior. And ever since, the number has been on the rise.
That’s why it’s important to explore how technology can help reduce the number of these accidents and ensure truck drivers can do their work properly without any risks of getting into an accident or harming another driver.
Using technology to our advantage
Technology has become a key player in improving trucking safety, helping to prevent accidents and minimize their severity. However, many are still not aware of how they can use technology to ensure safety.
Collision avoidance systems
Modern trucks are now equipped with collision avoidance systems that use sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards. These systems provide alerts or even apply automatic braking to prevent rear-end collisions. Lane departure warning systems help keep trucks within their designated lanes, reducing the likelihood of side-impact accidents.
Rear-end collisions are some of the most frequent types of accidents and that’s why it’s important to try and minimize their number. And with collision avoidance systems the risk of rear-end collisions is significantly lower.
Weather-adaptive technologies
For states where winters can get quite nasty like in Montana, technology designed to handle adverse conditions is crucial. One such innovation is automatic traction control systems, which adjust braking and acceleration to maintain stability on icy or snowy roads.
Real-time weather monitoring systems also provide drivers with updated road conditions, allowing them to adjust their routes accordingly. However, even with all the technology, you’re still not completely safe. Driving in winter is very challenging for new truck drivers and accidents can still happen. In those situations, it’s best to reach out to a truck accident lawyer and get some legal assistance immediately.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. ELDs track driving hours to ensure that truckers comply with federal regulations regarding rest periods. By preventing excessive driving hours, these devices reduce fatigue-related accidents and improve overall road safety.
It’s also up to the trucking companies to ensure that drivers don’t end up working more than regulated by law. It’s important to let truck drivers rest and ensure enough break time. Certain trucking companies tend to completely overlook the fact that drivers need regular breaks, and this results in driver fatigue.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
Another useful feature to have is definitely advanced driver assistance systems. ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking help drivers avoid accidents.
These systems continuously scan the road for potential hazards, providing real-time feedback and corrective actions to prevent collisions.
Autonomous and semi-autonomous trucks
Believe it or not, autonomous trucks are something that’s currently being worked on. Although fully autonomous trucks are still in the development phase and still need time to become fully functional, semi-autonomous technologies are already in use.
Features such as platooning, where multiple trucks are digitally linked to move together safely, reduce the risk of human error and improve fuel efficiency. These advancements are expected to play a crucial role in the future of trucking safety.
The final word
As you can see, technology is transforming the trucking industry by making roads safer and reducing accident risks. From collision avoidance systems and ELDs to winter-specific safety solutions, innovation is improving truck driver performance and overall road safety. All of these adaptive technologies play a critical role in preventing accidents.
As advancements continue, the integration of smart technology in trucking will further reduce accidents, save lives, and enhance efficiency in the industry.
And who knows, maybe quite soon enough, we’ll be able to fully rely on autonomous trucks but until then it’s necessary to equip truck drivers with well-maintained and modern trucks that feature the necessary technology designed to reduce the risks of accidents.
It’s still important that trucking companies allow for enough rest time and truck drivers also need to keep their eyes on the road at all times and take care of their well-being.
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