Impact of Advanced Safety Technology
August 22, 2017
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of preventable fatalities in the United States, and truck accidents are among the most devastating of these fatal wrecks. In an effort to significantly reduce the number of truck accidents on roads and highways across the country, manufacturers, regulators, and technology firms are considering new safety technology that has the capability to reduce fatal crashes.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, also known as ADAS, includes technology like collision avoidance, lane departure warnings, and speed sign recognition, which can reduce the incidence of devastating collisions by preventing easily avoidable mistakes. The National Transportation Safety Board and the National Safety Council recently met to draft ways to implement ADAS in heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The Senior Director at the National Safety Council said it is not necessary to wait for fully automated vehicles. The technology is available now and can prevent deadly truck accidents from happening.
Unfortunately, widespread adoption of ADAS has been slow because many carriers, including those with smaller fleets, do not have an accurate understanding of the technology. For example, many truckers associate collision-avoidance systems with self-driving vehicles. According to the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Mobileye, we need to help drivers understand that the ADAS is not meant to replace them. It is intended to keep truck drivers, and others on the road safe.
Another issue that has added to the confusion is the fact that there is no single, standardized technology. Different developers have varying technologies, which can be confusing for truckers who may drive a different truck on any given day. This is a new technology and it must be managed and maintained properly in order for it to be effective. In addition, drivers must be thoroughly trained to eliminate confusion or misuse. Even the best technology is useless if users do not know how to use it, reports the Chief Executive of the National Safety Council.
Future of ADAS Technology
A combination of factors may result in more widespread adoption of ADAS technology. Truck driver demographics are changing, including younger drivers and more women. This population of new truck drivers have more flexibility to learn and accept new technology. As the ADAS market grows, commercial truckers will have to choose whether adopt the technology voluntarily or wait for it to become a standard feature in commercial vehicles.
Volvo Trucks North America recently introduced a complete redesign of its VNL long-haul truck, which has a camera and radar-based system that combines forward collision warnings and active braking. This system can detect and react to stationary vehicles, and engage the brakes automatically in order to slow the truck’s speed. The system also features a first-of-its-kind windshield display that notifies the driver if he or she gets too close to an object ahead.
While certain policies may have to be drafted, like how to handle the immense digital data generated by ADAS and whether certain government incentives would be offered, the level of industry support is promising.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Truck Crashes
If you have been injured in a serious truck accident, contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Even with new technology on the horizon, truck accidents continue to cause devastating injuries and fatalities. We are committed to securing the maximum financial compensation for your injuries and will fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected and justice is served. To schedule a free 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, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, 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.
