How Can Semis Become Safer?

Photo of a semi

News of comedian Tracy Morgan’s horrific crash with an 18-wheeler has raised concerns of truck safety. Sadly, truck crashes have increased by 18 percent between 2009 and 2012. However, many companies are developing technology to help prevent truck accidents.

How Much Do These Safety Technologies Cost?

There are many proposals to mandate these safety technologies, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been slow to approve them. Dozens of these life-saving innovations would cost just $500 to $2,500 to install on a rig.

Is Truck Driver Fatigue a Problem?

In an interview with Businessweek, Rob Molloy, the deputy director of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said, “Over and over, we’re seeing drivers who aren’t fit to drive because they’re fatigued (and) involved in accidents.”

Although there are safety technologies that help prevent fatigued driving, people believe the trucking industry will not adopt them until they are required by law.

Unfortunately, the trucking industry has frequently been the last to adopt new safety technologies. Passenger vehicles will have new safety devices for years before large trucks begin to use them.

While these innovations are critical to public safety, there are economic benefits to using them:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is creating a final rule to require electronic stability control (ESC) on all trucks. Annually, it is projected to cost $1,160, save 49 to 60 lives and prevent 649 to 858 injuries. Moreover, ESC and other technologies will reduce truck company payouts for damages, which will save the industry billions.

Did You Know? According to Businessweek, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. have died in large truck crashes.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Personal Injury Attorney