Trucking Technology Can Improve Safety, Reduce Costs and Improve Behaviour
Truck drivers might not welcome technology into their cabs, but it can promote safety on our roads. As a truck driver or owner of several fleets, you need to understand what these technologies entail and how they contribute to road safety.
Safety is a huge concern among carriers, with studies showing that commercial trucks cause deaths for nearly 11 percent of road traffic. With trucks accounting for 8% of the US highway, you can expect to see this percentage rise.
Some technology is making trucking safer:
1. Dash Cams
This is a top asset to truckers everywhere. This cam serves as a trucker’s second pair of eyes, as the data can also be accessed to prove who was at fault when an accident occurs. The cam helps keep the driver safe and reduces risk, improves compliance and protects innocent drivers.
2. Pre -Trip Inspection Tool
This device allows the trucker to perform an inspection and assess the truck, such as the depth of the tires, brake stroke, windshield damage and the thickness of the brake shoe.
This device is packed into a compact, tiny tool that you can easily hook to a keychain for easy storage and access.
3. Hand-Held Tire Pressure Monitor
Have you ever been in a situation when you’re unsure about the tire pressure? This monitor helps keep a tab on the tire pressure. The tool shows the temperature and pressure of the tire and informs you when the tire needs tire reduction or addition.
4. Rand McNally OverDryve Pro
This is an all-in-one dashboard tool that combines several services into one. These features include maps, navigation, and other travel content. This device gives the truck driver an intuitive navigation panel, a voice assistant tool, a dash cam, and hands-free texting and calling.
The tool not only offers these features but provides an onboard fleet management system. You can monitor the progress of the tasks in real time, communicate with truckers and locate them 24/7. So, out goes the old GPS and in comes an innovative tool for 2018!
5. Truck Driver and Performance Monitoring System
These systems monitor and track driver and vehicle performance while on the road. The system helps identify truckers that need more training, while those that are performing well can be given a reward.
Managers use this kind of data to create models to predict which kind of drivers pose a bigger risk. The manager can then take steps towards switching out drivers and making the roads safer.
6. Onboard Communication Devices
Truckers are embracing onboard communication devices more and more. These devices record critical data such as the vehicle engine data, location, speed and other information. Some of the information that can be recorded includes excessive g-forces and hard braking. This information is vital during an accident.
These devices also come with video recording systems that capture what is happening inside the cab as well as in front the truck to make sure the ensuing events are captured for risky behavior. The devices come with collision avoidance capability, lane departure warnings, and stability control.
7. Automated Hours of Service Applications
Truckers can integrate hours-of-service applications with the dispatch systems. This allows the personnel to know how many hours are remaining for each driver, which prevents fatigued drivers from hitting the road. Scorecards are kept to make sure managers understand fuel efficiency and safety.
Using advanced technology may not prevent all accidents, but it can help reduce accidents. If you are in the state of Georgia and find yourself in such a scenario, call one of the Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers to handle the case, as tractor-trailer accident lawsuits can become complicated due to intertwining state and federal laws.
The Bottom-line
It takes more than just technology to make sure you stay safe on the road. As a fleet manager or a trucker, you need to integrate the right kind of technology on the road.
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This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’s disclosure policy.
