The trucking industry plays a key role in keeping America's robust economy running. It is estimated that there are more than 13 million registered commercial trucks in the country. Along with a high volume of trucks also comes the possibility of serious traffic accidents. Each year, more than 500,000 commercial truck collisions are reported on roadways throughout the United States. These accidents lead to approximately 150,000 injuries and 5,000 fatalities. Truck accidents are most likely to occur on city streets or in rural areas and, surprisingly, are most likely to take place during the daytime hours.
There are many possible causes of a commercial vehicle accident, including speeding, careless driving, drowsiness, impairment, overloaded cargo, and distraction. Recent advances in technology have benefited the truck industry by making it safer and reducing the possibility of a collision. Here, we will take a look at some of the available technology and how it is being utilized in commercial vehicles to prevent crashes from occurring and to warn truck drivers so that they can take proper action before it is too late.
Even with the advent of greater safety technology, accidents will still occur. If you or a loved one have been injured by a commercial truck crash, our national truck accident attorneys are standing by to provide assistance at any time. Give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.
Alertness plays a role in a substantial number of commercial vehicle collisions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 13% of all reported truck accidents involved a drowsy or fatigued truck driver. While FMCSA regulations limit the number of consecutive hours and days that a driver may be on the road, some drivers and trucking companies still skirt the rules anyway.
New technology can show a truck driver's level of engagement while on the road. For instance, data showing long periods of inactivity followed by many wheel turns may indicate a driver's sudden reaction to a perceived danger. Wearable devices such as hats and bracelets have also been developed. These devices take data measurements to help predict factors such as fatigue, stress level, and alertness while on the road. Using this data, truck drivers can make important decisions about whether it is truly safe for them to be on the road at any given time.
In the past several years, many trucks have become equipped with collision warning or alert systems. These systems utilize a laser technology known as LIDAR. LIDAR technology is also used in speed-detection devices used by law enforcement officers. When a truck is getting too close to another vehicle, a camera activates sensors using LIDAR. When the sensors are activated, an audible warning will sound, alerting the truck driver to the possibility of an imminent crash.
Other than crash alert systems, other systems are also utilized to reduce or prevent the most common methods of truck accidents. Automatic braking devices can help to stop a truck before it causes a rear-end collision. The automatic brakes work without the input of the driver when it appears a collision may occur. Lane assist and lane-keeping technologies can help the truck stay in its lane if it begins drifting or leaving its intended path of travel.
Vehicle defects and loss of control contribute to a substantial number of catastrophic truck accidents. In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated the use of electronic stability control (ESC) devices in all commercial trucks.
An ESC device monitors important systems of the truck such as its tires, wheel activity, and steering patterns. Ultimately, the goal of the ESC is to determine if the truck is in danger of losing traction or control. If the ESC technology detects an imminent loss of control it will take corrective measures, including reducing the truck's speed and power. With these corrective measures, a disastrous accident may be avoided.
Commercial truck drivers frequently experience obstructed and unclear views. Due to their size and the need to operate in tight spaces at times, maneuvering a commercial truck can be difficult for the best of drivers. With the increasing use of rear-view cameras, truckers are better able to sense their location and visualize dangerous objects that might be in their path but not within their line of sight.
The most recent technological advances involve the use of Artificial Intelligence or AI. This technology is rapidly growing and new uses are being developed that revolutionize ordinary tasks and make them more efficient. The trucking industry is now relying on the use of AI technology for management and operation-related tasks.
AI has been used in fleet management by analyzing a fleet of trucks as a group. The data gained from fleet management can help to illustrate which truck drivers may be meeting or falling behind certain standards. Another way that AI technology is being used is in connection with the development of self-driving trucks. While this concept has not been completely rolled out, it is coming closer to reality. Self-driving trucks are likely to complete trips faster than a human truck driver but it remains to be seen what dangers will be associated with these trucks.
Unfortunately, not all truck crashes are avoidable. Negligent driving and careless behavior still take place regardless of what safeguards may be in effect. As long as human drivers continue to operate commercial trucks, collisions will occur. In order to protect yourself following a truck accident, it is important to know your legal rights.
Here at Burg Simpson, we have a team of dedicated professionals who can help when you have been affected by a truck accident anywhere within the United States. Our nationwide truck accident lawyers are here to assist you at any time. We always provide free consultations for all potential and prospective clients and there is no fee until we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
To schedule your appointment with one of our attorneys, please reach out to us using our online intake form or give us a call at 866-637-1207.
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