When a large truck 20 to 30 times heavier than a car collides with the smaller vehicle, the result is usually catastrophic and sometimes fatal to the unsuspecting passengers of the car. Preventing those accidents presents significant challenges.
While truck drivers have fewer accidents when factoring in the miles they travel, crashes increased more than 30 percent in 2018. Never has cutting-edge technology placed in those tractor-trailers been so vital.
Trucks installed with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems could represent a “one-two punch” in preventing accidents.
Data reveals that forward-collision warning reduced all types of crashes by 22 percent while use of AEB produced a 12 percent decrease. In the category of rear-end accidents, forward collision warning reduced those types of crashes by 44 percent with AEB not far behind at 41 percent.
Both systems work in tandem with front crash prevention systems using cameras, radar, and sensors that alert the driver of an obstacle. AEB then applies the brakes.
While the European Union required the installation of these systems for all of their trucks, the U.S. has not issued such a mandate. Thankfully, prominent automakers are taking matters into their own hands and making forward collision warning and AEB standard on all new vehicles beginning in September of 2022.
Sadly, no amount of technology can prevent a negligent truck driver from colliding with another vehicle. Accidents caused by an operator who is aggressive and reckless or impaired due to sleep deprivation, drugs, or alcohol remain a threat to roads throughout the country.
