Trucking is an integral part of society. It ensures that goods are picked up and dropped off at the correct location, ensuring businesses can operate.
Unfortunately, trucking isn’t without its accidents. To prevent collisions and other road-related incidents, fleet managers must consider additional ways to ensure truck drivers stay safe throughout their journey. Technology greatly helps with that task.
Over the years, vehicle technology has grown and improved exponentially, ensuring all road vehicles, from cars to trucks, are safer than ever. So, if you’re a truck driver or a fleet manager looking to improve road safety, here are five types of technology to help you stay safe on the road.
1: Collision Warning Tech
The biggest danger on the road is a collision. It can wreck vehicles and take human lives, which is why it is crucial to prevent them. That’s where collision warning technology comes in handy.
An aftermarket collision avoidance system can tell you when a collision is about to occur 2.7 seconds before it happens. That might seem like a short amount of time, but those seconds make a world of difference in avoiding a crash.
2: Rear-View Cameras
Seeing the back of a truck can be challenging, which can prove dangerous – especially if you’re in a large vehicle. Seeing the rear view can help you make the right decisions on the road, such as letting a car pass or seeing if it is safe to pull into the next lane.
A rear-view camera provides vision you couldn’t get otherwise. You’ll be able to see exactly what’s behind you in real time, making your journey far safer overall.
3: Driver Drowsiness Detection
One of the most dangerous times to drive is when tired. Unfortunately, many truck drivers drive while sleepy, whether due to a long ride or not enough sleep in between shifts.
To fix that, you can install a driver drowsiness detection system in the vehicle. That can be in a camera, hat, bracelet, or another object entirely. Then, when the system detects that the driver is too sleepy to drive, it will alert them, ensuring the driver knows that it’s time to stop and find somewhere to rest.
4: Wireless Sensors
Wireless sensors in a truck can be used for equipment monitoring, as they detect the amount of cargo and the temperature. This system tells the driver whether the freight is acceptable and safe for transportation.
For example, if the truck driver is carrying food, the sensor will inform them if the temperature is too high for the perishables. So while it doesn’t improve driving safety, it ensures the cargo stays safe.
5: Auto Emergency Braking System
Sometimes, drivers don’t react in time, especially when it comes to braking. That’s where an auto emergency braking system comes in handy. When the truck needs to brake, the system will detect that and do so without the driver’s input, ensuring the vehicle avoids a collision.
Final Thoughts
Technology is making truck driving safer and safer. Whether you are a truck driver or manage a fleet of trucks, these five pieces of vehicle technology will help ensure proper safety on the road.