It’s no secret that distracted driving is a problem, even for commercial vehicle drivers like those behind the wheel of delivery vans, cargo trucks, and big rigs.
Could emerging technology in the form of automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning systems provide a cure?
2 out of every 5 rear-end truck collisions could be eliminated
A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) looked at the data on truck crashes and found that forward collision warning systems reduced rear-end collisions by 44%, and AEB systems reduced them by 41%. (Forward collision warning devices reduced the overall rate of crashes by 22%, while AEB systems resulted in a reduction of 12%.)
This is compelling news, given that crashes involving large trucks can be particularly deadly and have been on the rise in the last decade. That’s a trend that’s likely to continue as:
- People increasingly rely on online shopping for regular needs, including grocery shopping.
- Older truckers continue to retire, leaving younger, less-experienced drivers to pick up the slack.
- The industry continues to wave regulations in order to ease supply chain demands.
- Technology continues to be an ongoing distraction for drivers everywhere. This has been a major problem since the advent of the smartphone.
In the words of the IIHS Director of Statistical Services, “This study provides evidence that forward collision warning and AEB greatly reduce the crash risk for tractor-trailers and other large trucks.”
We’re still a decade or more away from automated technology that could prevent most crashes, but AEB and forward collision warning systems are definitely a step in the right direction. If you’ve been injured in a car or 18-wheeler accident, make sure you take immediate steps to protect your right to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Call the Baton Rouge motor vehicle accident attorneys at Joubert Law Firm at (225) 777-8853 or contact us online for a free initial consultation regarding your case
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