Study reveals that integrated trucking safety measures are beneficial to drivers

A study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute for the Department of Transportation shows that integrated vehicle-based safety systems for heavy trucks may help reduce certain vehicle accidents, Fleet Owner reports.

Researchers said that the study zeroed in on three system with integrated warning strategy, which serves to alert drivers of the potential for a forward crash, lane drifting and unsafe lane changes. They added that this technology uses radar and camera and were recorded through five video streams and the use of global position systems (GPS).

"Drivers were generally accepting of the integrated system and reported that the lane-departure warning was the most beneficial," Dave LeBlanc, lead research of the study, told the news source. "Linehaul and P and D drivers specifically mentioned valid forward-crash warnings and the headway-time margin display [in the cab] to be helpful."

In an effort to promote trucking safety, companies may wish to enroll their drivers in online CDL training to educate them on the correct usage of their vehicle when road condition are bad or when they feel fatigue.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 74,000 people were injured in a motor vehicle accident that involved a large truck in 2009, which is a decrease of nearly 16,000 from 2008.

By Andie Martin 

Study reveals that integrated trucking safety measures are beneficial to drivers

Thursday, March 24th, 2011