6 Technologies for Truck Safety
Trucking is one of the most popular jobs in 29 states of the US and contributes a big chunk to the economy. However, the numbers of accidents and deaths recorded are also enormous. Do you know almost 500,000 truck accidents are registered in the USA annually, out of which 5,000 result in deaths?
Statistics like these make it more crucial to enhance the safety features in the trucks. So, here we are bringing you 6 truck technologies that ensure the better safety of your drivers. These products and features fall under the category of the advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
1. Driver Alert Systems
Most truck accidents are resultant from fatigue and drowsiness. The driver alert systems detect drivers' drowsiness and warn them to get off the road. They are built using smart algorithms that work by observing the day's time, the route's distance, and their steering behavior.
So, if the steering is not active for a while and is followed by sudden wheel turning, the system would ring the warning alarms.
2. Forward Collision Warning And Mitigation System
Forward collisions are detected using cameras and/or sensors developed on the LiDAR technology (light detection and ranging). The LiDAR uses the pulsed lasers to determine the distance between objects and notifies if it is lesser than the specific units.
There are some advanced tools that have additional features like automatic emergency braking, lane assist and lane-keeping technology for course correction, and adaptive cruise control. Fleet managers should regularly upgrade their vehicles to ensure drivers’ safety.
3. Electronic Stability Control
This technology helps increase the safety of truck drivers as it detects emerging risks. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated it for all passenger vehicles in 2012.
This works by observing the movement of the tire and steering wheel to check the signs of slippage or loss of traction. The speed of the truck is automatically decreased when such signs are spotted. This prevents unexpected road accidents on roads.
The detections should be immediately reported to your fleet manager so that they can be repaired at the earliest.
4. Rear View Cameras
The drivers of large trucks often face challenges in getting a full view of the road while parking or backing. Thankfully the rear-view cameras provide a clearer visual. Moreover, they identify the blind spots on the move.
These visuals are then synchronized with audio feeds for efficiency. The high-quality rear-view cameras allow the drivers to view the image at 120,130 and 150 degrees as well. Fleet managers should invest in the trucks with three mounted cameras on the back and either side of the vehicle.
5. AI Applications In Truck Safety
Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows the drivers and fleet managers to be proactive than reactive. It works by gathering and analyzing the data registered from all the trips. The driven insights are then used in multiple ways to meet the security protocols.
These insights will also help the truck fleet manager determine which drivers are not following the safety policies or require remedial training.
6. Temperature Tracker
This device alerts the driver when the tire's temperature exceeds a specific limit. Using this tool in hot regions is crucial as tires can burst due to excessive heat. Moreover, friction also produces enormous heat, so if you are driving it continuously for long hours, there's a possibility it might burst.
Drivers' Training Plays a Vital Role
It's not enough to activate such systems in the trucks; fleet managers must train the drivers to tackle the emerging vulnerabilities. If your drivers aren't used to these modern tools, they will never make the best use of them. You should demonstrate the devices and allow them some time to adjust to this change.
Final Thoughts
Drivers' safety has always been a concerning issue for fleet managers. They can decrease the number of fatalities by using modern technologies like driver alert systems, temperature trackers, rear-view cameras, and more.
It's the responsibility of the fleet manager to educate the drivers on how to use these features to prevent accidents and mechanical failures.
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