Large commercial trucks can cause severe injuries in the event they collide with a passenger vehicle. However, these vehicles are beginning to integrate technology that could make them safer on the roadway. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., our Boston, MA, truck accident attorneys want to discuss the various technologies being implemented in commercial trucks that could help improve roadway safety.
Will Technological Advancements Improve Truck Safety?
Vehicle technology is rapidly advancing, and this has dramatically changed safety features for large commercial trucks. Manufacturers are continuing to invest in and implement many safety technologies as standard equipment.
A recent study from there AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said that equipping all commercial trucks with active safety technologies could prevent as many as 63,000 crashes a year in the US. Jake Nelson, AAA director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research, says that “Adding these safety technologies to the trucking fleet is not only cost-effective, but doing so helps to alleviate driver concerns, and prevents crashes. In the long run, it’s a win-win for industry and drivers nationwide.”
Some of the top safety systems that could improve commercial truck safety include:
- Lane departure warning systems: Many newer passenger vehicles contain sensors that warn drivers when their vehicle drifts out of their lane. These systems could prove to be valuable for long-distance drivers who may become fatigued behind the wheel.
- Automatic emergency braking systems: These systems are already available in many passenger vehicles and are designed to alert drivers they are about to rear-end a car and will automatically trigger the brakes.
- Video-based onboard safety monitoring systems: These are camera systems and sensors used to monitor driver performance and behavior. These systems help drivers improve their skills with active feedback and allow for trucking companies to monitor and prevent dangerous drivers from continuing operations.
Electronic Logging Of Hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all commercial truck drivers use an electronic logging device (ELD) to keep track of their hours of service (HOS). These devices are meant to cut down on a driver or company’s ability to operate outside of the maximum amount of hours per day. The goal is to prevent truck drivers from operating while fatigued, and to improve commercial truck safety on the roadways.
Let Us Help After A Truck Accident
If you or somebody you love has been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company, you may be entitled to significant compensation. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we are going to investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you are entitled to. This could include:
- All truck accident-related medical bills
- Recovery of lost wages if you are unable to work
- Cost a physical therapy or household expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the truck driver or company
When you need a Boston truck accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 617-917-3917.