New Technology Could Reduce Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are a serious safety hazard for drivers in every state, including here in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Transportation reports that in one recent year, there were almost 10,500 truck accidents statewide, resulting in 2,612 injuries and 137 deaths.

With so many people being injured or killed in truck accidents, safety advocates are wondering what can be done to reduce the number of crashes every year. While many reforms have been proposed, a recent study found that implementing certain new safety technologies could lead to a significant reduction in the number of semi-truck accidents.

The study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety analyzed close to 2,000 crashes involving trucks weighing at least 33,000 pounds. The researchers found that trucks equipped with certain safety features were about 40 percent less likely to be involved in rear-end accidents. What are these safety features, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn more.

Automatic Emergency Brakes

Automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) use front-mounted cameras, radar, and other sensors to detect when the truck is too close to a vehicle in front of it. When the system senses an imminent collision, it automatically applies the truck’s emergency brakes. In many cases, this means the truck reacts more quickly than the driver would, which can help prevent a potentially deadly accident.

According to the IIHS study, trucks equipped with AEB systems were involved in 12 percent fewer truck crashes than trucks without AEB. The difference is even more pronounced when it comes to rear-end collisions. Trucks with AEB systems were 41 percent less likely to be involved in a rear-end crash than trucks without AEB. 

Forward Collision Warning

Forward collision warning systems use the same types of sensors as AEB systems to detect when an 18-wheeler is dangerously close to another vehicle in front of it. However, instead of automatically applying the brakes, forward collision warning systems send an alert to the truck driver, who must apply the brakes themselves.

In terms of overall crashes, the IIHS study found that trucks equipped with forward collision warning systems were 22 percent less likely to be involved in an accident than trucks that did not have these systems equipped. When the researchers examined the effect of forward collision warning systems on rear-end accidents, they found these systems reduced the chance of a crash by about 44 percent.

Cameras

Regardless of where they’re placed on a truck, cameras are a key safety tool for truck drivers. Because of their length and size, truck drivers often have a hard time seeing drivers and other obstacles directly behind them, directly in front of them, or close to their left and right sides. Cameras provide greater visibility for truck drivers, allowing them to keep a better eye on what’s happening around them and avoid a crash.

How Serious Injury Law Group Can Help

No matter what safety technologies are installed in trucks, accidents will still happen. The effects on crash victims can be devastating. In addition to the injuries caused by the truck accident, victims often experience financial trouble due to the high cost of treatment. 

The Alabama truck accident attorneys at the Serious Injury Law Group have handled countless accident cases. We know what it takes to help crash victims recover fair compensation for their injuries. To learn more about how we can help you with a truck accident claim, call our office or visit our contact page to get a free initial consultation.