Over 40 million registered trucks are operating on US roads for business purposes. Though these vehicles play a significant role in the economy by bridging the gap between manufacturers and consumers, they also pose a great risk to other road users.
In 2021, an estimated 117,300 trucks were involved in road accidents, injuring more than 155,000 and killing over 5,700 others. To tackle the menace these vehicles caused, the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) suggested various steps to reduce truck accidents. Here are some vital TSC suggestions.
All Commercial Vehicles Be Fitted With Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
An automatic emergency braking (AEB) features sensors that can scan the road ahead and detect obstructions that can cause collisions. Once it identifies potential threats, this technology alerts the driver and automatically applies the brakes, reducing the severity of a crash.
AEB systems can lower the chances of truck collisions by 41 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Luckily, the new legislation signed into law in 2021 contains a provision to explore and possibly require AEB on all newly manufactured CMVs.
All CMVs Be Fitted With Side and Front Underride Guards
An underride accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle collides with a large truck and slides underneath. The disproportion between the two vehicles often results in devastating injuries to passengers inside the smaller car, such as traumatic brain injury, limb loss, or even death.
During an underride crash, the smaller car bypasses its ‘crumple zone,’ hindering the engagement of the airbag deployment sensor. Bicyclists and pedestrians are also vulnerable to underride collisions due to their size and lack of protection.
The TSC requested that federal lawmakers enact laws requiring all commercial motor vehicles to be fitted with side and front underride guards. These guards absorb the impact from collisions, protecting those involved in underride accidents.
All CMVs Be Equipped With Speed Limiters
A speed limiter is a computerized tool intended to prevent commercial truck drivers from surpassing a particular speed limit. It is integrated into the engine and uses special sensors to monitor the vehicle’s speed. If the driver is on the verge of exceeding the maximum speed set in the device, the limiter inhibits fuel flow, preventing the truck from accelerating further.
Over the last decade, Congress has proposed legislation multiple times regarding the use of speed limiters in commercial motor vehicles. Despite this, an official mandate requiring CMVs to have speed limiters is yet to be implemented.
End the Teen Driver Apprenticeship Program
The TSC also proposed ending the teen driver apprenticeship program introduced as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Bill. Under the program, young drivers between 18 to 21 years old are allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines during their probationary period while in the company of an experienced driver.
The apprenticeship program has been viewed as a solution to the current shortage of drivers in the trucking industry. However, many Transportation Safety Coalition (TSC) members continue to express concerns about the safety risks associated with inexperienced teen drivers. True to their word, research shows that teen drivers are 2.3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
What to Do if You Have Been Involved in a Large Truck Accident
You should take extra precautions when sharing the road with large trucks. However, even the most careful drivers can still be affected by the negligence of truck drivers.
“If you are involved in a large truck accident with a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical fees and other damages. However, whether you win your claim will depend on the strength of your case,” says attorney Clive Markland of Roberts Markland LLP.
You can boost the odds of a favorable ruling by seeking guidance from an experienced truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer will help you investigate your case, collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and provide legal representation throughout the claims process.
Media Information:
Roberts Markland LLP
Houston, Texas
(713) 630-0900
https://robertsmarkland.com/
