According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry transports an average of over 700 billion dollars worth of goods in freight around the United States annually. However, this accomplishment also comes with a downside, especially related to safety and heavy truck crashes. Nearly 500,000 heavy truck crashes occur annually - many of which result in property damage or worse, injury or death. In 2019, 5,005 trucks were involved in crashes that caused fatalities and 118,000 that caused injuries.
While it is not always the case, human error - including driver distraction, aggression, or fatigue - is often the cause of these crashes. Thanks to technological advancements, collision avoidance systems exist for heavy trucks that aim to remove the human element from serious and fatal accidents, reducing both the frequency of crashes and their impact.
This article examines how collision avoidance systems work, the different types of technology, their effectiveness, main benefits and costs, and whether they're required.
How do Collision Avoidance Systems Work?
Collision avoidance systems are similar to an extra set of eyes for the driver. They provide automatic driver-assist features when a safety incident occurs. The systems utilize sensors, cameras, lasers, and radar to recognize a potential safety hazard in an attempt to 1). prevent it from occurring or 2). reduce the impact if an incident occurs.
Warning a driver of danger ahead of time gives the driver time to try to avoid a crash. If the driver fails to take action, the system automatically applies the truck's brakes or controls the steering. Suppose an accident does occur on a truck that has a collision avoidance system. The outcome is likely to be less severe as the driver reacts to the warning by employing evasive tactics such as braking and steering.
Examples of when the system activates and triggers alerts include when another vehicle is close ahead and reduces its speed, straying from the lane in use, stationary objects in the road, and blind spots in traffic or behind the trailer. Full 360-degree vision around a tractor-trailer is another system available for preventing collision and some even come with night vision for added protection.
Hill descent control is another benefit of technological advancement. Hill descent works with the truck's engine brake to maintain a safe speed on downhill grades. The driver chooses a safe speed for the grade and can still override with manual braking if necessary. You can watch the video to see how it works.
What Types of Collision Avoidance Systems Exist?
With so many different systems, how will you know which to choose?
F-CAM
Forward Collision Avoidance and Mitigation Systems (F-CAM) equipped with Forward Crash Warning (FCW) is a common choice for heavy truck operators. F-Cam systems employ light detection and ranging (LIDAR) along with cameras to see the road ahead and alert the driver with a warning. LIDAR measures the precise distance between the system and objects ahead and triggers a warning to the driver if necessary. Using adaptive cruise control the F-CAM system slows the truck's speed and pumps the brakes if it deems a crash is likely to occur.
Cameras
Cameras, or other visual displays, placed around the perimeter of your tractor or trailer, give a certain visibility beyond the mirrors - especially in the driver's rear view and blind spots. Many have automatic infrared for continued visibility at night. It’s a surefire way to have extra sets of eyes all around your vehicle.
Mentoring Devices
Mentoring devices focus on the driver's behavior, watching out for unsafe actions such as speeding or not wearing your seatbelt. They provide a space for drivers and managers to communicate directly in the system, so that real-time feedback can be given.
How Effective are Collision Avoidance Systems?
The technological advances enabling collision avoidance systems save lives. At a high level, it is predicted that if every truck had such a system installed, it would eliminate as much as 80% of truck crashes. Further, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, trucks equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking could prevent 40% of crashes where a truck collided with the rear end of another vehicle. The study also found that trucks with forward crash warning systems encountered a 44% reduction in rear-end crashes.
What are the Benefits and Costs of Collision Avoidance Systems?
The number one benefit of collision avoidance systems is reduced loss of life. Fewer crashes mean less deaths and safer roadways for all motorists. Collision avoidance systems are also known to lower costs for both fleets and Owner-Operators, because the safer you are, the lower your CSA score is, and the better the insurance rates you receive. Further, the safer you are yields less maintenance and repairs, keeping you on the road and your money out of the shop and in your pocket.
While some new trucks come with systems already installed, most existing trucks do not have them. Collision avoidance systems can be spec'd on new builds or installed aftermarket on existing trucks without the system. Of course, this technology comes with a cost. A U.S. Department of Transportation report states that adding a collision warning system (CWS) ranges from $2,400 to $4,000, depending on the quality of the system and features you would like.
Are Collision Avoidance Systems Required?
Collision avoidance systems are not currently required in the U.S. transportation industry. However, in 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implemented a requirement that new commercial trucks must be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) systems. Such a system becomes active especially in conditions of rain or snow where traction may be inhibited. When wheels begin to slip, the system applies brakes to avoid a skid, preventing a dangerous incident like a rollover crash.
Additionally, depending on the tractor's year and manufacturer, many of the newer models are built with AEBs (auto emergency braking systems). Two common ones are Bendix"and Detroit.
As an Owner-Operator, you have a choice on whether you want to have a collision avoidance system in your truck. The evidence on effectiveness is sound, but the cost may seem prohibitive to many fleets and Owner-Operators. When you weigh the benefits and costs, the one-time price to pay may seem worthwhile. And at any rate, we hope that you motor safely.
Other relevant articles:
Speed Limiter Technology and the Great Safety Debate