Collision Mitigation and Semi-Trucks
Large commercial tractor trailers and semi-trucks are more prevalent on American roadways than ever before. In fact, there were over seven million tractor trailers and semi-trucks registered in the United States in 2017. The more trucks that are on the road, the greater the risk for serious and fatal accidents with passenger vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,300 fatalities were reported in accidents involving large trucks across the United States in 2016. Forward collision warning systems and automatic emergency braking technology have proven to reduce the number of traffic accidents reported each year, yet only 15 percent of commercial trucks are equipped with these safety features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that 107,000 trucking accidents could be avoided each year by adding these safety features.
Delay in Adding Safety Features to Commercial Trucks
Money is the primary factor in preventing safety features such as forward collision warning systems, automatic braking, blind spot warning systems, and lane departure warning devices from being added to commercial trucks. While the actual retrofitting of the safety devices on older model trucks is affordable, updating an entire fleet of trucks can be costly.
The American Trucking Association is not in favor of government mandates for installing safety equipment on commercial trucks. The agency believes that trucking companies should be able to choose which safety features are best suited for their operations. While many independent truck operators would prefer the added safety features, many cannot afford the high price of a new truck, which can total hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Collision Mitigation Outside of Technology
As concern grows over the number of serious and fatal trucking accidents in the United States, many safety experts and fleet owners are focusing on alternative ways to reduce the number of truck accidents. The IIHS stresses the need for training and reduced speed as the primary safety measures to prevent trucking accidents.
Crashes that occur due to speeding usually result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Reducing the speed limit for commercial trucks will allow truck drivers to slow down or stop before an accident occurs. Slower speeds also afford truck drivers the opportunity to react to sudden and unexpected moves by passenger vehicles.
Truck drivers that receive comprehensive and ongoing training have the safest driving records. Education on the dangers of fatigued and distracted driving, updates on federal mandates for continuous driving hours, and reminders of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can save lives. Heart disease, obesity, and sleep apnea are common among professional truck drivers. Regular health screenings can prevent accidents that result from these health concerns.
New Brunswick Truck Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Represent Victims of Truck Accidents
A truck accident involving a passenger vehicle is almost always catastrophic, often resulting in serious and sometimes fatal injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, call the New Brunswick truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
Our Highland Park, New Jersey offices serve clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
