The trucking industry is important for any economy, but truck-related accidents are quite common too, often leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. According to Coffey McPharlin, a renowned truck accident lawyer in Florida, “some of the top reasons for truck accidents include distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, overloading, impaired driving, lack of experience, and more. Though these and other truck-related accidents are unpreventable, there are always ways to reduce the chances of such mishaps happening.”
Thanks to modern trucking technology, which has introduced upgraded safety protocols to improve the safety of both truck drivers and other motorists, Let’s have a look at some of the top technologies that can improve safety in the trucking industry and are worth investing in.
Collision Mitigation Systems
With the advancement of technology, advanced collision mitigation systems have been developed for improved safety on the road. These systems use video, sensor, and radar technologies to allow drivers to be more aware of their surroundings and stay alert all the time. When there is a danger of potential collisions, these systems alter drivers in real time so that they can take immediate action and prevent collisions.
Rear-View Cameras
Visual limitations are a concern for most truck drivers, especially those driving large trucks. Rear-view cameras offer a simple solution to this problem by offering a clear view of the back of the vehicle. This helps truckers identify any blind spots or traffic hazards and prevent accidents. Some companies offer these cameras with advanced features like weather- and shock-resistance and the ability to view images from multiple angles for enhanced safety.
Advanced Electronic Logging Devices
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are making transport management easier for both truckers and fleet owners. While all commercial drivers must use ELDs, advancements in these devices provide improved efficiency and workflow. Modern ELD devices are coming with features like built-in barcode scanners, smart route planning, signature capture for delivery proof, task lists, and more. All these features facilitate the industry big time.
Electronic Stability Control
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made electronic stability control (ESC) a must-have for all passenger vehicles in 2022. ESC helps detect possible defects in the vehicle that usually increase the risk of collisions. It monitors steering wheel activity and tire movement over time and looks for signs of loss of traction or slippage. If a defect is detected, the system immediately responds to it and takes actions like decreasing speed.
Advanced Driver Alert Systems
Though regulations don’t allow truck drivers to drive more than 11–14 hours at a stretch, many simply don’t follow this rule, leading to fatigue. Driver fatigue is a common issue that often leads to accidents, and driver alert systems are crucial to prevent accidents caused by this. The advancement of technology like AI and advanced algorithms has made these systems more efficient today, allowing fleet management to easily detect truckers’ drowsiness more accurately. These systems analyze factors like trip duration, time of the trip, the driver’s steering behavior, and more to evaluate the level of drowsiness with enhanced efficiency. This allows fleet management to continuously monitor drivers and warn them to take a break.
Improved Telematics Solutions
Telematics solutions enhance more than just GPS tracking. Telematic systems provide real-time monitoring and analysis of both vehicle performance and driver behavior. These systems can track and analyze metrics like speed, breaking patterns, and fuel usage, allowing fleet managers to identify mechanical issues and risky driving habits in truckers before they lead to serious problems. This way, telematics reduces the risk of road accidents and improves overall efficiency as well as the life of the vehicle.
Weather Forecasting Technology
Integrating weather forecasting technology ensures drivers can receive accurate and timely weather condition updates along their routes. These systems provide real-time alerts about severe weather, such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or strong winds, allowing drivers to avoid routes with risky weather and prepare ahead for it. This helps prevent accidents caused by poor visibility, slippery roads, or other weather-related dangers.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) provide real-time support to drivers, greatly enhancing truck safety. These systems come with features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, helping prevent collisions. For instance, when a crash is detected, the system will apply brakes to help prevent accidents. ADAS reduces human error and ensures safer trips for both truckers and other motorists.
AI Integration
While AI is making waves in almost every sector, the trucking industry is not left behind. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology ensures fleet managers and drivers are proactive rather than reactive. Fleet management can use AI to analyze large amounts of data from the trips of all trucks and use these valuable insights to evaluate trucker behavior and address any shortcomings. AI is also leading to the development of self-driving trucks, which is gaining popularity and making roads safer.
