Large trucks are a vital part of the American economy. These help transport goods and products throughout the country, keeping businesses running smoothly. However, they also come with some inherent dangers.
In 2020 alone, there were 4,842 fatal crashes involving large trucks. This is a 4% decrease from the year before. One thing that is helping truck drivers make trucking safe on and off the road is the different technology available, including the following.
Technology is constantly changing and improving. This means new ways to make driving safer for everyone involved. Here are some of the latest technologies helping improve trucking safety:
Accurate Weighing Systems
Overweight trucks are one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This is because they put a strain on the brakes and can make it difficult to control the vehicle, especially when going down a hill. Inaccurate weighing systems are often to blame for overweight trucks. This is why many companies are now investing in accurate weighing systems.
With high-quality and certified truck weighing scales, companies can be sure that their trucks stay within the legal weight limit. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents and makes the roads safer for everyone. Overweight trucks are also more likely to get pulled over, leading to costly fines.
By investing in the right weighing scale for your trucks, you can ensure that your trucks stay compliant and avoid costly accidents. The trick is to find a reliable supplier of industrial weighing scales that can provide accurate and reliable readings. The right provider will have weighing scales approved by the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP), offering incredible customer support before and after your purchase.
Automatic Braking Systems
One type of safety system that is becoming more common in trucks is an automatic braking system. This uses sensors to detect when a collision is imminent and then automatically applies the brakes. This can help reduce an accident’s severity or even prevent one from happening altogether.
In the past, truck drivers are the only ones in control of the brakes. This meant they had to react quickly to avoid an accident. However, with an automatic braking system, the truck can brake for itself if necessary. This can help to prevent accidents caused by human error.
Automatic braking systems are not perfect, but they are getting better all the time. The best systems can detect a potential collision at a long range and give the driver plenty of time to react. This technology is still relatively new, but it has the potential to make a big difference in the safety of trucking.
In-Cab Monitoring Systems
A truck driver’s behavior can directly impact their safety on the road. This is why many companies are now investing in in-cab monitoring systems. These systems use sensors to track speed, braking, and seatbelt usage.
If a driver is speeding or not wearing their seatbelt, the system can send out an alert. This helps to encourage safe driving behavior and can help to prevent accidents. In-cab monitoring systems can also help monitor a driver’s hours of service (HOS). This is crucial because fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents.
According to studies, truck driver fatigue is the principal cause of up to 31% of fatal-to-the-driver crashes. This is why it’s important to ensure drivers are getting enough rest. By using an in-cab monitoring system, companies can be sure that their drivers comply with HOS regulations and that they get the rest they need to function safely on the road.
Automatic Tire-Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a tire. An underinflated tire can cause the vehicle to use more fuel. It can also make it more difficult to control the truck and can lead to tire failure.
In the past, it was up to the driver to check their tire pressure and inflate them as needed. However, this is no longer the case. With automatic tire-pressure monitoring systems, drivers no longer have to worry about checking their tires manually.
An automatic tire-pressure monitoring system uses sensors to monitor a tire’s pressure. When tire pressure gets too low, the system will alert the driver. This helps ensure that your truck tires are properly inflated, improving fuel efficiency and safety.
Lane Departure Warning Systems
Truck drivers must keep their eyes on the road, ensuring they maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and stay in their own lane. This can be difficult, especially when a driver is too tired or distracted. If before, the only thing that could save a driver from veering off their lane was their own vigilance, now there is another layer of protection with lane departure warning systems.
Lane departure warning systems use sensors to detect when a vehicle veers out of its lane. When this happens, the system will emit an audible or visual warning. This helps to alert the driver and prevent them from veering into oncoming traffic.
With such a system in place, truck drivers can have peace of mind knowing they have an extra set of eyes on the road. They can also be more alert and rested, which can help to prevent accidents.
These are just a few of the many safety systems that are available for trucks. By investing in these systems, companies can help improve your drivers’ safety and prevent accidents. This, in turn, can help to improve the company’s bottom line.
