Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death for people in smaller vehicles. The size of these big trucks can make them very dangerous if the driver is not careful. That is why strict regulations govern the trucking industry.
How Many People Have Died in Large Truck Accidents?
According to Businessweek, more than 30,000 people have died in accidents involving a large truck. Fortunately, new technology is being developed to reduce accidents caused by big rigs.
Below are some of the latest safety technologies that are being developed and proposed by the government for use in all trucks:
Automatic brakes:
- One company has designed a system that uses radar to alert truck drivers of road hazards and possible collisions. If the driver does not react in time, the system will automatically apply the truck’s brakes. Additionally, the system will adjust the cruise control to keep the truck at a safe distance from the vehicles ahead of it. It would cost $2,000 to $2,500 to outfit a truck with this technology.
Fatigue monitoring device:
- Many truck accidents seem to be caused by fatigued truck drivers. Although there are many fatigue monitoring devices on the market, one company has developed a device that may be more effective. The new device monitors a driver’s eyelids. If the system senses the driver’s eyes are closed, it will sound an alarm in the cab.
Truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure the public’s safety when traveling on the roads. Unfortunately, not all drivers or companies will do that. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact us for a free consultation of your case.
Source: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-10-07/droopy-eyelid-detector-one-solution-to-truck-crashes