Technology & Trucking: A Two-Lane Road
Technology is rapidly evolving in almost every industry today, and the trucking industry has seen many improvements recently that are increasing safety and efficiency on the roads. There are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection systems that are significantly reducing the risk of collisions on the road. The national highway administration estimates that these systems are preventing more than 11,000 crashes, 7,700 injuries, and 170 deaths, making the roads safer for all.
Telematics are improving efficiency of commercial fleets by monitoring driver behaviors, optimizing routes, and proactively scheduling maintenance for vehicles. It is common for insurance carriers to require onboard cameras including both inward facing and outward facing to help provide clear evidence of fault, as well as monitoring driver behaviors for signs of distraction, drowsiness, and non-compliance with safety protocols.
Inversely, Forbes says that texting and driving is now six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Texting drivers have a slower response time than impaired drivers and a higher rate of fatality accidents, and while it is illegal in Oklahoma there is a lack of enforcement on the roads. Research shows that texting while driving takes the driver’s eyes and attention away from the road for 4.6 seconds. If the vehicle is going 55 mph, the driver will have traveled the length of a football field including the end zones during that time.
With the convenience of technology and constant advancement, there comes a greater responsibility, especially on the roads. In Oklahoma, 126 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2022, or 12.5% of all vehicles. Commercial auto insurance rates have been steadily increasing because of the rise in distractions leading to more accidents, which are more expensive now because of increased repair and replacement costs, as well as increased attorney involvement.
It is important to remember that we all share the road, and whether you are on a road trip, on the way to work, or completing a long haul, there is a responsibility to your fellow drivers to pay attention to the road for yourself and those around you.
