How Technology Is Revolutionizing 18-Wheeler Truck Safety

Every year, many trucking accidents happen due to the large number of trucks on the road, and it is sometimes horrible to notice that a few of these accidents result in serious injuries or even deaths. This is not just about the number of accidents that occur; it is about real people with families. Therefore, all professions in this industry related to trucks are trying their level best to make trucks safer. And for that, the best stuff comes into the picture – using technology!

For instance, like our smartphones getting smarter every year, trucks are becoming more advanced in the same way. All the new and advanced technology is being implemented in trucks in order to reduce the number of accidents. 

According to the best 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer in San Antonio, these technologies are able to do a number of things, including warning the driver if they’re drifting out of their lane and even auto-slowing the truck down if it gets too close to another vehicle.

To understand how technology is revolutionizing 18-wheeler truck safety, think about your car having its own guardian angel who would whisper useful tips on how to keep you safe; that is why this tech is used for trucks. And the best part? Cars today are safer and smarter than ever before. This is proof that a better future for trucks is just around the corner.

Latest Safety Technologies for 18-Wheeler Trucks

Let’s delve into the extraordinary safety features that are now making these trucks smarter and, of course, safer.

Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems

Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems is a technological feature in vehicles that stops them when a possible collision is detected.

Picture this: You are driving on the road, and all of a sudden, you see a car in your way. Now, you must remember that sometimes, your reflexes may not be as sharp as they could be, but the good news is that you do have an extra set of reflexes called the AEB braking system.

AEB systems in trucks are similar to having a pair of superhuman reflexes that react faster than a human being to any emergency without wasting time.

They have vision gadgets such as radars and cameras that watch the road ahead. If the sensors identify an object, such as a slow vehicle or a traffic stop, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a collision and lessen its severity. It is as if you have to have a copilot who is ready to push the breaks for you when you need them.

Electronic Stability Control

ESCs are advanced systems that help truck drivers prevent accidents like skidding or even rollovers during sudden turns. Here’s how it does its magic:

• ESC uses a bunch of sensors that detect truck movement in any way. In the meantime, these sensors are always on alert for things like the truck’s speed, heading direction, and wheel turns.

• Suppose the ESC system finds something wrong, such as the truck swerving out of line during a turn (which may be the precursor to a rollover or skid). The system immediately springs into action. It identifies cases where a traction control system has gone wrong and offers the appropriate setting to pull the truck back into its stable state.

• As soon as it knows what has to be fixed, ESC can take control of the wheels’ braking system. Tailored braking is powerful; it ensures that the truck that has been put back on course and the driver quickly gains control to avoid a skid or rollover. Similarly, in other cases, a vehicle could have its engine power reduced to help it slow down and balance faster. 

Whether the vehicle is big or small, driving depends on how manageable it is in unknown situations. Trucks are more susceptible to rollover because they are often characterized by their high center of gravity. This is where ESC provides the truck with some life by assisting in maintaining the vehicle’s stability.

Lane Departure Warning Systems

Lane Departure Warning Systems are primarily designed to avoid accidents whenever a driver unknowingly deviates from the lane or cuts across the line. The reasons can be the driver being distracted, sleepy, or having bad visibility. So, LDWS acts as a reliable backup pilot, repeatedly checking whether the vehicle is well-aimed along the road markings.

There are cameras fixed on the vehicle to monitor the marking of the lanes. The use of such a camera is favorably high-tech, able to tell painted lines from the road surface despite changing weather and lighting conditions.

The mechanism keeps analyzing the car’s position. It’s clever enough to differentiate when a car makes a real lane change (e.g., when a signal is used) versus a random drift off the lane.

The system notifies the driver if it observes that the vehicle goes out of its lane without any indication of the turn being used. This hazard can be preceded by different forms of warning, namely – auditory (beeps or chimes), visual (lighting on the dashboard), or tactile (vibration on the steering wheel or seat). 

The purpose is to immediately attract the driver’s attention and force him/her to act quickly to regain control over the vehicle.

Limitations and Challenges of New Safety Technologies

Incorporating new safety technologies for commercial truckers, especially 18-wheeler trucks, will meaningfully increase road safety. However, this route is not always “smooth sailing” and contains challenges and limitations.

• In addition to the purchase price, there are costs related to operating and training the people who will do the driving and maintaining these technologies. The cost of software updates, component repairs, and replacement of worn-off components contribute to part of the business’s operational costs.

• Differences in the systems, as well as problems posed by new technologies that are not compatible with older vehicle models, lead to many other difficulties. Fleet operators, as a rule, should pay particular attention to planning their new technology introduction procedure to avoid any disruption.

• Many safety systems monitor driver behavior factors like alertness and adherence to safe driving principles. Such data has the potential to improve road safety initially. At the same time, it may lead to privacy issues, such as how the data is used, stored, and shared.

Mokaram Law Firm is Here to Help!

To understand 18-wheeler truck accident safety, one must know that the challenges and limitations that come with it can be managed well if one finds the best 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers to handle these parts of their cases. Mokaram Law Firm is one of the most trusted firms where our top lawyers can help you with your truck accident cases. By using the best techniques and understanding your case in the best way possible, they can help you get the deserved compensation. Dial (281) 609-9224 today to book an appointment.