Could Better Truck Safety Technology Prevent Truck Accidents?

TEXAS. Driver safety technology has advanced in recent years. New safety systems including lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, emergency braking systems, lane keeping systems, blind spot monitoring systems, and camera monitoring systems have the potential to save lives. According to research performed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, these systems have the capability of reducing 40% of passenger vehicle accidents and reducing 37% of injuries associated with these accidents. According to Forbes, these systems could also potentially prevent approximately 63,000 truck accidents each year.

Many of the newer safety systems could reduce the risk that trucks pose to the general population. Trucks have a wider blind spot than passenger vehicles, so blind spot monitoring systems could prevent crashes that occur when trucks change lanes and don’t see passenger vehicles in their blind spots. Lane keeping systems have the potential to prevent other accidents that can occur due to driver fatigue. Automatic braking systems can also prevent avoidable accidents by catching hazards before a driver can see them. Finally, distracted driving can have a major impact on driver safety. By installing truck driver monitoring systems, companies can better hold their drivers accountable and better enforce no tolerance policies for cell phone use on the job.

While we have become more reliant on technology, it is important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Automatic braking systems cannot replace driver vigilance and common sense. Lane keeping technology is not meant to serve as an autonomous driver. Passenger vehicle drivers should also not be reliant on a truck’s blind spot technology to see them.

One of the biggest challenges is uniformity of implementation of the technology. Older trucks won’t be equipped with newer technologies, and as drivers grow accustomed to these technologies, they may not always be conscientious of the fact that not all truck drivers will have blind spot technology, lane keeping technology, or other safety systems. While the truck industry makes billions each year, companies may still choose to avoid updating their fleet to keep costs down.

The reality is that until these safety features are required per government regulations, drivers will have to assume that not all trucks will have them.

Drivers can keep themselves safe on the road by giving trucks sufficient space, passing trucks only on the left side, where a driver’s blind spot is narrower, and giving trucks sufficient space to stop.

Truck companies and drivers must still meet federal regulations. This means that drivers must obey hours of service laws and it means that truck companies must keep their trucks in working order, which means maintaining brakes and tires.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident in Texas, consider speaking to the Cooper Law Firm today. Our attorneys can review the circumstances leading up to your accident and we may be able to help you seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Truck companies have a responsibility to ensure that their trucks meet basic federal safety requirements. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages for your injuries. Visit the Cooper Law Firm, a Texas truck accident lawyer today to protect your rights.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037