Despite the number of fatal trucking accidents remaining relatively stable, federal officials have made reducing this number a top priority. New rules have greatly increased focus on driver safety. Earlier this year, a nationwide ban on commercial drivers texting while driving went into place, and the industry is experimenting with additional methods to cut down on distracted driving.
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute teamed up with Takata Corporation to study the impact of an integrated vehicle-based safety system (IVBSS). Drivers in the company had these devices installed in their semi trucks to determine if they helped reduce the potential for serious or fatal trucking accidents.
Takata installed its SafeTraK Lane Departure System into trucks to allow drivers to learn more about what was happening around their vehicles. The devices were placed in trucks at the beginning of this year, and drivers were asked to give their feedback on how it helped them become safer drivers.
Overall, 38 percent of Takata's drivers felt that SafeTraK helped them avoid an accident. Additionally, 83 percent are in favor of the SafeTraK system, and would like it to be a permanent part of their operation.
The SafeTraK system has also implemented a new feature to help driver alertness. SafeTraK 3 has put software in place to monitor when drivers are weaving in lanes of traffic, which could be due to driver fatigue or some type of distracted driving, like texting or cell phone usage. The program will keep track of all the alerts that a driver receives, and allow drivers to determine when they are at the highest risk for an accident.
In addition to create systems to study driver awareness, the texting ban for commercial drivers should also help make highways safer. Drivers face civil and criminal penalties for violating the ban, facing potential fines of up to $2,750. Upcoming safety initiatives being put in place by the government will make carriers responsible for unsafe behavior by their drivers.
Even with these rules and new safety features, accidents will still happen. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, contact an experienced attorney in your area to discuss your options. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
