Might Driverless Trucks Be the Answer to Safer Highways?

The state of Nevada has just approved driverless trucks for highways. Daimler has released their Freightliner Inspiration driverless trucks that can travel the highways without a driver.

Using scanners, sensors and radar to sense its position relative to other cars and trucks on the road, these driverless trucks will be cruising Nevada’s highways with a human driver in the cab at all times, but not operating the vehicle. For the moment there are just two trucks driving along the highways testing out the technology. If the truck encounters a situation that it can’t handle on its own, it signals the human driver to take over. If the driver does not respond, the truck will slow down gradually and then come to a stop.

Accounting for the human factor in trucking accidents

According to the NHTSA truck accidents are up 18 percent with more than 104,000 people injured in truck crashes in 2012. With 3,921 fatalities from truck accidents those numbers were up four percent over the previous year. When you consider that the leading cause of most trucking accidents is driver error, whether it is on the part of the driver of the truck or another vehicle, driverless trucks could save hundreds of thousands of lives simply by removing driver error from the equation.

Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents include driver fatigue and distracted driving. Drivers falling asleep at the wheel, texting behind the wheel, and simply not paying close attention to driving costs countless lives every year.

Driverless trucks don’t get distracted, they don’t get sleepy and they won’t speed up and try to pass other drivers. While the technology is still in developmental stages, Daimler predicts that we might see driverless trucks on the road by 2025.

Tips for avoiding an accident with a tractor-trailer on the highway

For the moment, we will still be dealing with 18-wheelers driven by fallible human beings and sharing the road with passenger vehicles. Here are few tips to help you stay safe when you must share the road with big trucks:

• Always maintain a safe traveling distance. Never tailgate a truck.
• Be aware of a truck’s blind spots. They are huge, and they are located in the back of the truck, the sides and the point of connection between the truck and the trailer. If you can’t see the truck’s side-view mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
• Obey posted speed limits.
• Always use your turn signals when passing a truck.
• Don’t change lanes abruptly in front of a truck.
• Don’t give in to road rage if a truck is driving aggressively. Your anger will only increase the chances for an accident.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Memphis, Jackson or throughout West Tennessee, we may be able to help. Contact the law firm of Bailey & Greer PLLC today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and get the answers you deserve.