Around half of trucks come with them
To date, between 45% and 50% of newly sold heavy-duty vehicles in this country come with FCW and AEB that fits the specifications of the truck fleet purchasing them. The reality, of course, is that it’s entirely up to truck fleets whether to install these features. Some are pushing for a federal mandate that’s like the one that addressed stability control back in 2017, but no such plans are forthcoming.
AEB reduces rear-end collisions
One company in Lowell, Arkansas, installed FCW and AEB on 98% of its big rigs and found that employees would be in 50% fewer rear-end crashes. In addition, if the features could not prevent a crash, they would at least mitigate its severity, preventing many fatalities and serious injuries. The company reported shorter equipment downtime and a lower driver turnaround rate as a result.
Another company in Green Bay, Wisconsin, saw a 68% decrease in rear-end collisions as well as a 95% decrease in crash severity within three years of adding ADAS in its trucks. However, it should be noted that ADAS, as its name demonstrates, can only assist drivers, not replace them. Trouble ensues when truck drivers, or passenger vehicle drivers, for that matter, become complacent, thinking that ADAS will handle the driving for them.
For the victims of driver negligence
Many truck accidents occur because of the trucker’s negligence. If this is the case with you, then you may want to seek compensation from the trucking company. You are entitled to be reimbursed for your medical bills, lost wages, and other economic and noneconomic damages. Of course, not everyone can file such a claim because Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. Therefore, you may want a lawyer to evaluate the case.