Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
April 9, 2018
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating, destructive wrecks on roads and highways across the country. In an effort to make these massive vehicles safer, many truck manufacturers, regulators, and technology firms are investigating a range of new technologies, including Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
While proponents of this technology believe that it can help reduce the number of traffic fatalities, others are concerned about regulation issues, training, and data privacy. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the National Safety Council (NSC) organized a panel of industry leaders the included regulators, manufacturers, fleet owners, technology providers, and insurance experts, to discuss whether ADAS can be more widely used in large, commercial trucks.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of traffic fatalities involving large trucks totaled 4,050 in 2015, which was an eight percent increase from the previous year. In general, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, and large trucks are involved in many of those fatalities. A senior director at the NSC believes that there is no reason why fleet owners and drivers should not be using this technology, as it is designed to prevent accidents by addressing avoidable mistakes.
Confusion Over ADAS Technology Versus Driverless Trucks
One reason some commercial carriers have resisted the idea of ADAS is that they do not have an accurate understanding of what the technology actually does. In fact, many truck drivers associate anti-collision technology with driverless trucks. According to the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Mobileye, a collision-avoidance system provider, it needs to be better clarified that ADAS is a surveillance camera, not a replacement for a human driver.
Adding to the confusion is the fact that ADAS technologies differ from developer to developer. This is especially difficult for drivers who are assigned to different trucks from one day to the next. Additionally, options are always changing and growing, because of the fast pace of innovation. Furthermore, all the bells and whistles featured on the dashboards of some trucks can be extremely distracting. The technology needs to be more standardized, or it will only cause further confusion.
Training is another issue that will be crucial to the widespread adoption of ADAS. According to an NSC executive, even the best technology will not make a difference if people do not know how to use it. Truck drivers must be thoroughly trained on how to appropriately use the technology in order to avoid confusion, or misuse.
Industry engagement has been promising, and is expected to increase over time. As the larger fleets purchase the technology, the price will come down for the smaller fleets. As time goes on, and the technology continues to improve, more truck companies are expected to see the benefit of technology like ADAS, according to an official from the American Trucking Association’s trade group.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Truck Collisions
If you have been seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We are on your side and will ensure that your rights are protected at all times. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
