Road safety is a critical focus for the trucking industry, where rear-end collisions and unsafe following distances remain significant risks. To stay ahead of these challenges. advanced technologies, such as collision mitigation systems and adaptive cruise control (ACC), are playing a transformative role in enhancing safety for both truck drivers and everyone sharing the road.
Preventing Rear-End Collisions with Collision Mitigation Systems
Rear-end collisions account for a significant portion of road accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions make up approximately 29% of all crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Collision mitigation systems are one of the most effective technologies used to prevent these incidents. These systems use radar to detect the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjust the truck’s speed, transmission, and brakes to prevent collisions.
The following graph shows injury accidents per mile involving large trucks. This data highlights the importance of adopting advanced safety measures to reduce collision rates.
By proactively braking and adjusting speed, collision mitigation technology significantly reduces the risk of high-speed rear-end crashes, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), nearly 50% of rear-end collisions could be prevented if all vehicles were equipped with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems.
Sarah Cates, Director of Safety at Keller Trucking adds: “Keller Trucking made the choice to invest in collision mitigation on all our trucks. Our Volvo trucks utilize the VADA system, and our Freightliners feature Detroit Assurance. Since adopting this technology about 7 years ago, we have watched front-end collisions be drastically reduced. Despite having this technology on the trucks, Keller Trucking still teaches our drivers Defensive Driving at the time of hire and offers retraining for Defensive Driving throughout a driver’s career at Keller Trucking.
Maintaining Safe Distances with Adaptive Cruise Control
Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates that following too closely is a leading factor in truck-related crashes, contributing to nearly 15% of all large truck collisions. Maintaining a safe following distance is a major challenge, especially in heavy traffic. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an essential tool that addresses this problem by automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
ACC offers numerous benefits to drivers and enhances overall road safety:
ACC not only promotes safer driving but also enhances driver comfort and efficiency. By enabling drivers to “go with the flow” of traffic and maintain consistent following distances, ACC minimizes the risk of rear-end collisions, which are often caused by tailgating and close following distances.
Addressing Distracted Driving
Reducing distracted driving is another critical aspect of road safety. The graph below illustrates driver handheld cellphone use by age from 2013 to 2022, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of minimizing distractions among drivers of all age groups.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA.
The use of two-way cameras and other monitoring technologies is an industry-wide approach to combat distracted driving, helping to protect both drivers and the public. By investing in technologies that promote safety, trucking companies are not only reducing accidents but also fostering a culture of accountability and care throughout their organizations.
Enhancing Driver Security with Panic Buttons
Increased driver security is also a growing area of focus within the trucking industry, particularly in ensuring the safety of female drivers. At Keller Trucking, Panic Buttons are provided to all female drivers to offer an additional level of security. If a driver feels threatened or unsafe for any reason while out on the road, pressing the Panic Button immediately alerts the safety, HR, and Operations teams. This not only provides real-time assistance but also triggers truck cameras to pull footage from the area, giving evidence to send to law enforcement if necessary.
The Future of Road Safety
The future of road safety lies in proactive measures, and technology-driven safety innovations. Industry leaders are proud to be part of the solution for safer roadways everywhere by leveraging advanced technology, driver education, and safety initiatives. Keller Trucking for instance continues to prioritize the well-being of its drivers and the communities they serve by investing in cutting-edge safety technologies and driver training programs. The commitment to enhancing road safety ultimately benefits all road users, making our roads a safer place for everyone.