How technology can prevent 18-wheeler truck accidents

Truck accidents are among the most common types of vehicle accidents. Commercial and 18-wheeler trucks are extremely frequent, and the number of collisions is not necessarily decreasing. In the U.S., for instance, in 2017 alone, there was a 7% increase in fatal truck accidents. Unfortunately, this percentage didn’t decrease over the years. However, from 2020, many tech innovations were developed in an attempt to combat the issue of truck accidents. 

Ever since, such technologies have been included in 18-wheeler trucks to help the individual drive safely, stay alert, and improve the entire driving experience. Truck drivers don’t have an easy job – long hours spent on long-distance routes can easily take a toll on an individual. Being away from your loved ones for long periods of time, driving for a great deal of time can overwhelm the driver. 

Because of this, accidents can easily happen, as much as the driver takes the necessary precautions to avoid such an incident. Plus, driving an 18-wheeler truck is undoubtedly a challenge – to say the least. Suppose you are involved in a truck accident and are eligible to claim compensation. In that case, it is crucial you take the necessary steps to begin this process and contact professional 18-wheeler accident attorneys who can provide specialised help. 

Here are four types of technology that have been proven effective in reducing the number of accidents:

1. Forward Collision Avoidance

One of the technological advances that can support the driver and prevent truck accidents significantly is forward collision avoidance. With a combination of sensor and radar technology, this system can alert the driver of a possible incoming crush with another vehicle. If the driver cannot react on time, the technology triggers the brakes. So, an impact can be avoided, or its severity can be reduced.

2. Electronic Stability Control

It doesn’t come as a surprise that 18-wheeler trucks can lose their stability quite quickly due to the heavy load they carry. For this reason, the electronic stability control system can decrease rollovers, thanks to the technology’s steering and braking computer-controlled system.

3. Eyelid Monitoring

A technology using high-end cameras in the driver’s cabin that can monitor their eyelid activity has emerged. This is extremely helpful given that many truck collisions happen due to the driver’s exhaustion and loss of vehicle control. So, the technology can sense and alert when a driver’s eyelids drop, if they’re blinking unusually fast or if their head movements are irregular. Indeed, the technology is costly, but truck companies should consider installing it if it can decrease the number of accidents. 

4. Dual Facing Camera

Dual facing cameras, showing the interior of the truck and the driver’s cabin as well as facing the road and traffic, can be extremely helpful as they provide crucial information that is of the utmost importance for the driver. With real-time data from the traffic, drivers can make better-informed decisions. Moreover, given that the camera records the driver’s cabin, truck carriers can monitor the driver’s behaviour and driving style. This is extremely helpful during training sessions or investigations.

Truck accidents are among the most common types of vehicle accidents. Commercial and 18-wheeler trucks are extremely frequent, and the number of collisions is not necessarily decreasing. In the U.S., for instance, in 2017 alone, there was a 7% increase in fatal truck accidents. Unfortunately, this percentage didn’t decrease over the years. However, from 2020, many tech innovations were developed in an attempt to combat the issue of truck accidents. 

Ever since, such technologies have been included in 18-wheeler trucks to help the individual drive safely, stay alert, and improve the entire driving experience. Truck drivers don’t have an easy job – long hours spent on long-distance routes can easily take a toll on an individual. Being away from your loved ones for long periods of time, driving for a great deal of time can overwhelm the driver. 

Because of this, accidents can easily happen, as much as the driver takes the necessary precautions to avoid such an incident. Plus, driving an 18-wheeler truck is undoubtedly a challenge – to say the least. Suppose you are involved in a truck accident and are eligible to claim compensation. In that case, it is crucial you take the necessary steps to begin this process and contact professional 18-wheeler accident attorneys who can provide specialised help. 

Here are four types of technology that have been proven effective in reducing the number of accidents:

1. Forward Collision Avoidance

One of the technological advances that can support the driver and prevent truck accidents significantly is forward collision avoidance. With a combination of sensor and radar technology, this system can alert the driver of a possible incoming crush with another vehicle. If the driver cannot react on time, the technology triggers the brakes. So, an impact can be avoided, or its severity can be reduced.

2. Electronic Stability Control

It doesn’t come as a surprise that 18-wheeler trucks can lose their stability quite quickly due to the heavy load they carry. For this reason, the electronic stability control system can decrease rollovers, thanks to the technology’s steering and braking computer-controlled system.

3. Eyelid Monitoring

A technology using high-end cameras in the driver’s cabin that can monitor their eyelid activity has emerged. This is extremely helpful given that many truck collisions happen due to the driver’s exhaustion and loss of vehicle control. So, the technology can sense and alert when a driver’s eyelids drop, if they’re blinking unusually fast or if their head movements are irregular. Indeed, the technology is costly, but truck companies should consider installing it if it can decrease the number of accidents. 

4. Dual Facing Camera

Dual facing cameras, showing the interior of the truck and the driver’s cabin as well as facing the road and traffic, can be extremely helpful as they provide crucial information that is of the utmost importance for the driver. With real-time data from the traffic, drivers can make better-informed decisions. Moreover, given that the camera records the driver’s cabin, truck carriers can monitor the driver’s behaviour and driving style. This is extremely helpful during training sessions or investigations.