4
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN DRIVER SAFETY
DRIVER ALERT SYSTEMS Driver fatigue can happen at any time – even among those who follow proper protocols and don’t knowingly violate hours of service guidelines. That’s where driver alert systems can prove invaluable. These systems detect the level of a driver’s drowsiness and subsequently warn them to get off the road. They use advanced algorithms to observe and analyze factors like the time of day, length of the trip, frequency of turn signal use, and the driver’s steering behavior. FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND MITIGATION SYSTEMS These systems aim to reduce accidents caused by a driver’s inattention. Using cameras and sensors, they alert drivers if they’re getting too close or tailgating another vehicle. They depend heavily on LiDAR – light detection and ranging – technology, which uses pulsed lasers to determine the distance between objects. In many cases, they’re paired with functions such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping technology, which help keep drivers and trucks safely clear of other vehicles. For instance, Averitt tractors utilize the Detroit Assurance System, which features Active Brake Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control to adjust the truck’s cruising speed automatically. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL Electronic stability control (ESC) focuses more on the equipment than the operator. Much like driver alert systems, ESC observes things like steering wheel activity and tire movement. But instead of measuring a driver’s drowsiness, it looks for signs of slippage or loss of traction. Once a problem is detected, the system can immediately do things like decrease speed or lower the engine power of the vehicle. This quick reaction time and high accuracy rate makes ESC particularly useful during unexpected road events or under bad road conditions. CAMERAS For any driver, visual limitations can be dangerous. Fortunately, cameras offer a simple solution. By providing the driver with a clear view of the area around the truck, cameras help assess blind spots – not only on the move, but also in reversing and docking situations. A rearview camera on the trailer and side-view cameras on the tractor can help a driver visualize blind spots, while a front-facing truck dash camera can serve as an eyewitness to collisions and other driving risks.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AI is also making its presence felt in the trucking industry. By helping with things like route planning and traffic monitoring, AI applications can help truck drivers avoid risky traffic situations. That said, the rise of self-driving trucks attracts the most AI attention. Since TuSimple’s successful 22-hour trial run from Phoenix to Dallas in 2019, interest and implementation have only increased. While proponents argue that self-driving trucks could make roads safer in the future by reducing the hazards of tired or distracted driving, there’s still a long way to go – and many sides to the issue. advantage of is the Side Guard Assist. This helps to detect objects in a driver’s blind spot. It has both a visual and audible warning system to make the driver aware of vehicles they may not be able to see directly. Click here for a handy PDF of safety features on Averitt trucks. Technology and the focus on proper education is one of the reasons Averitt has been honored by the Tennessee Trucking Association with their First Place Safety Award for both LTL and Truckload. P to P SAFETY ADVANCES AT AVERITT One recent development Averitt is taking
Trucking is an indispensable part of the US economy, accounting for roughly 70% of all goods transported nationwide. Truck driving is also the most common job in roughly 28 of the country’s 50 states. Yet every time a truck driver gets behind the wheel, they face risks. The occupation ranks among the most dangerous in America, with upwards of 766 fatal injuries annually. Although 80% of these accidents are caused by cars and other passenger vehicles, accidents can also be caused by any number of factors – such as careless handling of the truck, driver fatigue, and equipment failure. This leaves fleet managers and safety directors with the tall order of maintaining a culture of safety in their company. Fortunately, modern trucking technology is evolving rapidly – as are the protocols that can improve safety for drivers. New studies indicate that implementing such accident mitigation systems as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) could reduce the frequency of certain accidents by as much as 40%. Given the enormous human and financial costs associated with trucking accidents, an investment in safety technology can pay enormous dividends. Here we outline a few of the technologies contributing to the improving safety of fleets nationwide.
THE 2023 STATE OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SUPPLY CHAIN SURVEY
Your Opinion Could Snag You 1 of 25 Gift Cards.
Participate Now at Averitt.com/ShipperSurvey
YOUR OPINION MATTERS TO US! Do you have suggestions on how we can continue to develop Point to Point as a resource to meet your needs? Do you have article ideas for future editions? Let us know! PointToPoint@Averitt.com
0
Find more logistics insights at Averitt.com/Blog
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter