Accidents involving large trucks* are unfortunately too common; in 2021 there were 523,796 accidents involving large trucks, 5,788 of which were fatal, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data.
But consider this: In 1975, there were 3,722 fatal crashes involving large trucks, and forty years later in 2015 there were 3,622 – a modest decrease. Yet in that time, the number of registered large trucks on the road more than doubled from 5,362,369 to 11,203,184, according to data from the FMCSA.
In short, our roads are getting safer in terms of large truck safety, even if it doesn’t feel that way. A number of factors have likely contributed to this, including stricter regulations at the federal and state level, better training for drivers, and improvements and modifications to roads with truck safety in mind. Possibly the biggest factor in improved safety, however, are advancements in technology.
Here are some of the technological advancements that have improved safety in large trucks – specifically tractor-trailers/big rigs – in recent years.
(*Note: The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration changed the definition of “large truck” in 2016 to a truck over 10,000 pounds, which includes not only tractor-trailers/big rigs but heavy-duty pickup trucks and other large vehicles.)
Safety Technology in Tractor-Trailers / Big Rigs / 18-Wheelers
Many of the main safety systems listed below were first developed in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s, and over the years have become better and more widespread. In fact, you probably have some of these systems in the car you drive now. Some of the biggest changes of the past decade include the increased use of cameras and the integration of AI into existing systems.
Here are some of the main technologies that have improved safety over the years and are widely found in tractor-trailers in the U.S. today (note this list is not exhaustive):
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): This is the umbrella term for different systems that typically work together to alert the driver of potential problems and initiate automated responses (such as automatic braking) in certain circumstances. ADAS may use cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radar, or a combination to continually scan the truck’s surroundings and gather data to help improve safety.
Forward-Collision Warning (FCW) Systems: These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor what’s happening on the road and warn the driver if a forward collision looks imminent so the driver can avoid an accident. While these systems were first developed in the 1990s, they have become more common in commercial and passenger vehicles in the last 10-15 years.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Just like it sounds, AEB systems automatically apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to avoid or lessen the severity of a crash. These systems work in conjunction with FCW systems.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps drivers maintain control of the vehicle during slippery conditions or other extreme situations. Sensors continually monitor road conditions and vehicle movement to detect loss of control and apply corrective action, which can include automatic braking and/or power reduction from the engine. ESC became mandatory for light passenger vehicles starting in 2012 but is not (yet) mandatory for large trucks.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): These systems monitor the vehicle’s location relative to markings on the road to provide warnings when the vehicle appears to be drifting out of the lane. Some systems also use automated steering to bring the vehicle back into the lane.
Adaptive Cruise Control: This type of cruise control maintains a constant, safe distance between the vehicle and the traffic ahead of it, rather than maintaining a constant speed.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Large trucks have large blind spots, making accidents with smaller vehicles more likely. Increased use of cameras and other sensors in recent years has improved blind spot monitoring, making such crashes less likely.
Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS): DMS use a camera pointed at the truck driver to monitor and gather data. These systems use facial recognition to detect whether the correct driver is at the wheel and eye tracking technology to determine if the driver is distracted or drowsy. The system alerts the driver in real time if unsafe behavior is detected. Additionally, data gathered from these systems can be used by fleet managers and others to improve safety on a larger scale.
Telematics: Telematics is the term for various technologies that work together to gather, integrate, and analyze data captured from vehicles, which can be used to improve safety. Trucking companies use telematics to monitor their trucks in real time for fleet management and to improve safe driver behavior.
Tractor-trailers are not required by law to be equipped with these technologies, at least not as of fall 2024. However, they are becoming more widespread as many manufacturers and trucking companies voluntarily include these technologies in their trucks, since they are effective. For instance, the NHTSA estimates that AEB alone could prevent over 11,000 crashes and 170 deaths (PDF).
Call the Truck Accident Attorneys at The Carolina Law Group
Have you been involved in a large truck accident that wasn’t your fault? If so, give us a call here at The Carolina Law Group. We have the experience and knowledge to take on the challenges unique to truck accident cases and help our clients get the compensation they need to recover. We work on a contingency basis and only get paid if you do, so you have nothing to lose – call us at one of the numbers below to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
The Carolina Law Group has four offices in South Carolina for your convenience: Greenville (principal office; call 864.312.4444), Greer (principal office; call 864.757.5555), Spartanburg (principal office; call 864.312.4444) & West Columbia (principal office; call 803.881.1110).
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