Who, What, and How We Represent Matters.
Values-driven personal injury lawyers in Austin, Texas here to listen, educate, and help in any way we can.
Contact Us
int hero 360 austin

Collision Avoidance Systems Make Trucks Safer. Why Aren’t More Commercial Carriers Using Them?

Vehicles today are much safer than they used to be. Collision avoidance systems — sometimes called driver assistance technologies — are helping drivers avoid the biggest risk on the road: themselves.

The vast majority of accidents can be contributed to human error; in fact, one National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that roughly 94 percent of accidents could be tied directly to driver behavior, rather than environmental conditions or vehicle malfunctions.

Collision avoidance and driver assistance systems like automatic breaks, collision warning technologies, and other tools are helping prevent these kinds of accidents. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that advanced driver assistance technologies have the potential to prevent nearly 40 percent of injuries and 29 percent of fatalities in crashes that involve passenger vehicles. Those are promising figures for the future of traffic safety.

Currently, however, there are still many vehicles on the road without collision avoidance systems. In particular, these features have not been integrated as heavily into commercial vehicles — which is unfortunate, since eleven percent of all accident fatalities occur from collisions involving large trucks. Considering the risks involved in commercial trucking, it would seem as though these technologies would be a natural fit for 18-wheelers and other large vehicles.

However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found that driver assistance technology adoption in commercial trucks lags far behind passenger vehicles, which means carriers are missing opportunities to prevent dangerous accidents.

How do these technologies stand to change commercial vehicle and semi-truck accidents? And why aren’t more commercial carriers using them? Our lawyers decided to investigate. Here’s what we found.

Two Key Technologies May Help Prevent Commercial Truck Accidents

According to NTSB, there are two main safety components that could limit commercial vehicle collisions:

  • Collision warning systems (CWS)
  • Automatic emergency braking (AEB)

Collision warning systems issue automatic alerts when a driver is at risk of a crash. This technology could prove pivotal for commercial drivers, who are prone to drowsiness and inattentiveness after long stints on the road.

Automatic emergency braking systems go further, applying the brakes without driver assistance when a collision is imminent. This could significantly minimize the damage and severity of accidents that might occur if a driver fell asleep or was otherwise impaired.

Other technologies that are recommended are adaptive cruise control (ACC), which detects when a vehicle in cruise control is following too close to the car in front of it and automatically applies the brakes, and lane departure warnings, which alert the driver before they drift into another lane.

Why Aren’t Collision Avoidance Systems More Widely Used?

If collision avoidance systems demonstrate so much potential, why haven’t commercial carriers jumped to include them? There are several possible reasons:

  • The government doesn’t require it. Groups like the NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have strongly recommended that vehicle manufacturers make AEB systems standard on new vehicles. However, there are currently no requirements that they do so, particularly for commercial vehicle producers. 
  • It costs carriers money. Commercial carriers are not known for their commitment to safety, especially when it will cost them money. For instance, some trucking companies shamelessly encourage drivers to bend mandated rest period regulations in order to reap higher profits. Although existing vehicles can be retrofitted with collision avoidance systems, those improvements can be expensive for businesses with a large fleet of vehicles to maintain.

Given these factors, it would appear that pressuring commercial carriers to deploy collision avoidance systems may be the key to more widespread implementation. At FVF, we call upon the federal DoT, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to design stricter regulations to encourage carriers to integrate these protections. The safety of our highways could depend on it.

If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you should take the time to learn more about your rights and options. Contact our expert 18-wheeler accident lawyers for a free consultation so we can advise you how best to proceed with your case.

Latest Articles
Auto Insurance Guide for Your Injury Claim

It can be difficult to know how to navigate the automobile insurance claims process after getting injured in a car accident in Texas. Handling an insurance claim while dealing with serious and painful injuries can…

Contractor vs. Subcontractor Liability for Austin Construction Injuries

Working in construction should not endanger your life. Unfortunately, dangerous and defective construction zones in Austin put workers at significant risk. According to the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation, 141 Texan workers lost their lives…

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in Texas?

Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in Texas. Every year, hundreds of construction workers suffer serious and fatal injuries in on-the-job accidents. Many of these incidents are preventable, leading to questions about the…

When to Contact an Attorney After a Texas Car Accident  

As a car accident victim in Texas, it can be difficult to know when you need to contact an attorney. You may wish to save money by handling your claim yourself, only to discover that…

When Can an OSHA Violation Be Considered Negligence?

Every year, construction continues to be one of the deadliest industries in Texas and throughout the country. Statistics for 2023 show that construction had the most fatalities in all industry sectors (1,075). In an effort…

Understanding Third-Party Liability in Texas Car Accidents

Car accidents are some of the most physically, emotionally and financially devastating incidents in Texas. A car crash can inflict severe injuries and take lives. It’s important to fully understand your rights as a car…

How to Find the Right Wrongful Death Attorney

The wrongful death of a loved one is an unexpected tragedy that can leave your family with many questions about your rights and legal options. Your family may be owed justice, answers and financial compensation….

What Damages Can I Recover After a Bike Accident?

Bicyclists in Texas are at risk of suffering serious injuries and death in traffic accidents. If you get hurt in a bike accident, you could be faced with significant medical bills, lost wages, and pain…

What NOT to Do After a Car Accident

The actions that you take after getting involved in a car accident in Texas can have a major impact on the future of your claim. The best way to protect your rights is by knowing…

Auto Insurance Guide for Your Injury Claim

It can be difficult to know how to navigate the automobile insurance claims process after getting injured in a car accident in Texas. Handling an insurance claim while dealing with serious and painful injuries can…

Contractor vs. Subcontractor Liability for Austin Construction Injuries

Working in construction should not endanger your life. Unfortunately, dangerous and defective construction zones in Austin put workers at significant risk. According to the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation, 141 Texan workers lost their lives…

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident in Texas?

Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in Texas. Every year, hundreds of construction workers suffer serious and fatal injuries in on-the-job accidents. Many of these incidents are preventable, leading to questions about the…

When to Contact an Attorney After a Texas Car Accident  

As a car accident victim in Texas, it can be difficult to know when you need to contact an attorney. You may wish to save money by handling your claim yourself, only to discover that…

When Can an OSHA Violation Be Considered Negligence?

Every year, construction continues to be one of the deadliest industries in Texas and throughout the country. Statistics for 2023 show that construction had the most fatalities in all industry sectors (1,075). In an effort…