Avoiding Truck Accidents Through Advanced Warning Systems

por | Oct 29, 2020 | Avoiding truck accidents | 0 Comentarios

Avoiding-Truck-Accidents

Advanced Tech May Help Save Lives

Avoiding truck accidents comes to mind when you see the size of 18-wheelers and other big rigs. It’s common knowledge that passenger cars don’t stand much of a chance when colliding with a truck. Maintaining a safe distance and staying out of a truck’s blind spots are good practices for defensive driving.

Truck drivers often make long hauls, driving from northern Texas cities like Arlington all the way to Galveston at the state’s southern end. Keeping attention on the road and staying alert can be challenging during a long drive. Not to mention, cell phones and texting are proven technological distractions for many drivers. You might find it encouraging that technology isn’t always a detriment. In fact, researchers are testing advanced warning systems for large vehicle safety.

Avoiding Truck Accidents: Forward Collision Warning Systems

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two different collision warning systems could help increase trucking safety on the road:

  • Heavy Vehicle Forward Collision Warning System (FCW or CWS). FCW or CWS uses a forward-facing, radar antenna mounted on the front end of the truck. The system receives and transmits signals from the antenna. The signals help determine the speed and distance of other vehicles and objects in front of the truck. The system sets the parameters for distance and closing speeds to alert the driver through a display unit. Alerts are both audible and visual. Through such alerts, drivers would have more time to maneuver and avoid rear-end collisions.
  • Heavy Vehicle Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC combines forward-facing radar from a CWS with conventional cruise control. When no vehicles are within sight, the cruise control operates normally. However, when radar detects a vehicle in the same lane ahead of the truck, the system maintains a pre-set minimum, adjusting speed to ensure safe distance.

Have You Been Seriously Injured in a Truck Accident?

For years, the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has successfully represented clients in truck accident cases. Find out how we can investigate your accident and protect your rights in an accident claim.