Advanced Truck Safety Features
New technologies are reducing the number and severity of truck accidents on America’s roads. Still, terrible accidents happen all too frequently, leaving South Carolina victims — or the loved ones they left behind — to deal with the damages.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Orangeburg, the personal injury lawyers at Wilson Law Group can help. We’ve been negotiating maximum settlements and recovering full and fair jury awards for victims like you for decades.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
What New Safety Features Are Available in Trucks?
Heavy truck accidents result in staggering losses. According to a survey from the University of Michigan’s Transportation Institute, heavy truck accidents account for 13 percent of all traffic fatalities each year. On average, there are 3,800 fatal truck accidents annually, resulting in 3,900 deaths and 100,000 injuries.
Thankfully, the number of truck accident fatalities has dropped by 45 percent in the past 10 years, according to the Institute. This is partially due to advanced safety systems in today’s large trucks. Examples include:
- Forward Collision Warning and Mitigation Systems: Rear-end collisions account for 28 percent of all accidents. Driver inattention is identified as contributing to more than 60 percent of these crashes. Forward collision warning and mitigation devices use radar, sensors, and cameras to avoid or reduce the severity of a frontal collision.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This is considered the single most important advancement in auto safety since the seat belt, according to Consumer Reports. ESC continuously monitors tires and the steering wheel to sense a loss of traction. This system can help reduce the chances of rollover accidents and overcorrections.
- Driver Alert Systems: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conservatively estimates that 100,000 crashes are directly caused by driver fatigue each year. Driver alert systems include lane and road departure warning systems, as well as steering wheels and hats equipped with technologies to recognize drowsiness.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Cruise control has been around since the late 1950s, but adaptive cruise control is relatively new. It senses where nearby vehicles are and can adjust your vehicle’s speed to keep a safe distance.
- Rearview Cameras: These devices can help drivers see the back of the truck and are especially helpful in fleets with light-duty trucks. When combined with blind spot warning and cross-traffic alert technology, rearview cameras help the driver to better detect all blind spots.
Are Autonomous Trucks in Our Future?
While there have been news headlines about autonomous trucks, about 60 percent of fleet owners believe they will not be common for another 10 years. Only three percent believe autonomous trucks will be widely used by fleets within the next three years. In the meantime, NHTSA is continually considering what types of safety features should be made mandatory in all motor vehicles, especially large trucks.
Contact an Orangeburg Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Crashes involving 18-wheelers and tractor trailers are often devastating. Obtaining compensation can help families cover the high medical expenses that often accompany truck accident injuries. But these claims involve a mixture of state and federal regulations. If you’ve been hurt, you need an Orangeburg truck accident lawyer to fight for maximum compensation for your losses.
A lawyer at Wilson Law Group can review your case in a free consultation. Call or contact us now to arrange yours.