Trucks, which play an essential role in road freight transport, represent a key factor in traffic crashes and congestion. In fatal accidents that involve large, heavy road vehicles, the person who has been severely injured isn’t the person inside the truck. Victims are often those in the passenger vehicle due to the blatant size difference. If truck accidents aren’t fatal, they lead to catastrophic injuries. Truck driving is one of the most important industries in America, but not only. In the United Kingdom, for instance, individuals and businesses alike rely heavily on trucks. Truck driving ensures millions of jobs and delivers goods throughout the community. Nonetheless, many argue that the risks outweigh the benefits.
One or more parties can be held accountable for a truck accident
A truck accident can take place at any time, yet collisions involving large, heavy road vehicles typically occur on certain weekdays when more trucks are on the road. It’s necessary to conduct a detailed investigation to figure out what happened and why. One or more parties may be held accountable for the crash. The truck driver is chiefly responsible for the accident. The road traffic accident may very well be the result of their negligent behavior (speeding, distracted driving, etc.). It’s the responsibility of the truck driver to carefully inspect the rig and properly load the cargo. Sometimes, a third party, such as the manufacturer of the truck, may be at fault. Some collisions are caused by failing component parts, such as brake failure.
With an increase in demand from consumers, there’s an increase in truck volume. Truck traffic volumes remain high and, at times, drivers are pushed past their limits. In case you didn’t already know, motor vehicle crash costs are paid from public revenues. Private insurers pay only half of the cost. Individual crash victims pay for roughly 20 percent of the cost, while the rest is covered by uninvolved parties delayed in traffic, charities, and health care providers. The point is that a truck accident brings about severe economic consequences. They measure the total societal harm resulting from road traffic accidents.
How trucking companies can use technology to reduce the number of accidents
Given the clear danger to pedestrians (and drivers), it doesn’t come as a surprise that trucking companies are doing their best to prevent these horrible accidents. They leverage technology to promote driver safety and prevent -18-wheeler accidents. While not every organization says “Yes” to technology, corporations like Walmart, which maintain in-house logistics, rely heavily on technological innovations to prevent truck collisions. Accidents are bad for business, whether we’re talking about employees or the company’s reputation. Therefore, safety should be prioritized. It shouldn’t be sacrificed just to make more and more deliveries. It’s paramount to keep truck drivers and passengers safe on the road.
Opponents of new technology affirm that modern technology makes truck drivers less attentive when on the road. According to them, lane departure warning or blind spot monitoring can cause drivers to rely too much on technology, which in turn leads to weaker skill sets. It’s clear to see that the argument has no basis. In reality, modern technology is a lifesaver and there’s tons of data supporting this instance. Many fleets have invested in technology and have had a good experience with them. It’s recommended to get to know a little bit about these systems:
Automatic emergency braking
Automatic emergency braking is becoming increasingly common in new vehicles. Major safety experts say that it’s just as important as the introduction of seat belts. In spite of the fact that AEB is a familiar, proven product that ensures highway safety and saves thousands of lives and prevents injuries, it hasn’t yet been included in commercial motor vehicles. It’s hoped that automatic emergency braking will be mandated in all large trucks. At present, very few trucks are equipped with this technology, which has undergone considerable maturation over the years.
Reversing systems
A truck reversing system is a reversing aid for commercial rigid trucks and trailers. It’s a user-friendly, robust, and reliable system. The truck reversing system is an intelligent transport system that sets to achieve traffic efficiency by minimizing traffic problems. It enables the driver to see what’s going on behind the vehicle so that they can reverse more safely. The system can be combined with a front view camera. The rear blind spot is difficult to manage, to say the least. A reversing system is an ideal solution to address the issue, save costs, prevent accidents, and save lives.
Forward collision warning
A forward collision warning system is practically a radar sensor that is located in the front of the truck, which detects the distances between the two vehicles ahead. The system uses the data to assess the distance and relative speed between the host vehicle and the objects in front. It either warns the driver or takes action to prevent an unfortunate event. A forward collision warning system can significantly reduce the front-to-rear crash rate. It’s very difficult to know the real danger. At times, the alarm can go off for no reason at all, which is why it’s necessary to pay close attention.
The importance of technology instruction for truck drivers
It’s unreasonable for trucking companies to expect drivers to use the new technology as if they were accustomed to it. Employees that have access to the powerful technology should be provided instruction. They are the ones making the decisions and should have the necessary knowledge to do what’s right. Truck drivers should become comfortable with the new system, diving into the features and benefits of the software carefully selected by the company. One of the biggest mistakes that a trucking company can make is requiring employees to find time in their already busy day for instruction.
The old training format of hours spent in the conference room isn’t suitable for the purpose. It’s necessary to insist on the practical application of knowledge to ensure training is effective. Finally yet importantly, courses should be consumed in the easiest way possible. That means including various delivery modes, such as interactive demos.
