UPS and TuSimple Test Self-Driving Trucks
October 4, 2019
The United Parcel Service (UPS) made an announcement recently that it has been working with self-driving truck company, TuSimple, to test self-driving technology in their tractor-trailers. For the past several months, the two companies have been working together to transport goods between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona to determine whether the self-driving technology can help improve service and efficiency within the UPS network. While the technology is still in the developmental phase, officials at UPS believe that self-driving technology will make commercial trucks much safer and help prevent devastating truck accidents that cause massive property damage and severe injuries.
According to the chief strategy and transformation officer at UPS, the company is committed to implementing the latest technologies to operate more efficiently and safely. The technology continues to develop and evolve, but he believes that advances in areas like braking will have a major impact on the trucking industry and help protect other motorists who are sharing the road with these massive vehicles. He also stated that self-driving technology offers significant safety benefits that will be realized before autonomous trucks fully materialize.
The details of the deal between UPS and TuSimple were not made public, but the two companies have been monitoring the distance and time that the trucks drive themselves. They have also been recording important safety data and transportation time. TuSimple is currently developing technology that can be used in self-operating tractor-trailers of the heaviest class, which are class eight trucks. According to TuSimple’s founder, president, and CTO, the company is poised to bring the first self-driving truck to market. This will have a significant impact on road safety. UPS believes that their relationship with TuSimple will help secure their position as a leader in this emerging technology.
Benefits of Self-Driving Trucks
Research shows that truck accidents are responsible for approximately 4,500 fatalities each year. Most of these accidents are caused by human error, including distracted driving, drunk driving, and drowsy driving. Technology and automation can help prevent many of these accidents by using automatic emergency braking, radars, cameras, and sensors. Self-driving trucks are also more fuel efficient and may be able to deliver goods more quickly and efficiently, allowing truck drivers more time off to spend with family. Fuel-efficient vehicles also produce lower carbon emissions, making them more sustainable. From an employment perspective, autonomous trucks could be operated by people who may not be able to drive a human-operated truck, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Self-Driving Truck Accidents
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a truck accident involving an autonomous truck, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Our experienced and dedicated legal team understands how devastating these accidents can be and we will determine who is responsible for causing the accident. We will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve based on the severity of your injuries. We will not stop fighting for you until you are completely satisfied. 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, 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.
