Emerging Technologies and the Future of Trucking Safety

Reg Reinoso

Author

Volvo’s recent unveiling of its long-range electric semi-truck marks a major milestone for the trucking industry. With the ability to travel over 370 miles on a single charge, this zero-emission vehicle promises to revolutionize freight transport. As the trucking industry shifts toward cleaner energy solutions, advancements like these offer exciting potential for both environmental sustainability and technological innovation.

However, this transformation brings with it broader questions about the future of trucking, particularly when it comes to driver safety on the road and the prevention of semi-truck crashes. As electric vehicles, self-driving technologies, and automation become more prevalent, the trucking industry faces new challenges and opportunities. While these technologies may improve efficiency and reduce strain on drivers, they also raise concerns about how the industry will adapt to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.

Automation and Self-Driving Technology: The Next Frontier in Trucking

One of the most transformative technologies is self-driving vehicles, also known as autonomous driving systems. These vehicles range from basic driver assistance to full automation. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and cited by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there are six levels of automation. The lowest, SAE Level 0, offers no automation, while SAE Level 5 is fully self-driving, requiring no human intervention in any conditions. As automation in trucking becomes more widespread, it is expected to improve freight efficiency through innovations like truck platooning, where trucks drive closely together in a convoy, reducing fuel use and increasing efficiency.

In addition to automation, the push toward zero and low-emission vehicles, including electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid trucks, is also gaining momentum. These trucks are not only cleaner but more efficient, often using two to five times less energy than traditional petroleum-based vehicles. This shift aligns with the broader goal of reducing the trucking industry’s significant contribution to global carbon pollution, which currently stands at about 7%.

While these advancements hold great promise, they come with challenges and unknowns. The implementation of new technologies will take time, and different segments of the trucking market will be affected differently. Local drivers will continue to be in demand because self-driving trucks are best suited for long stretches of highway driving. Meanwhile, the need for drivers who can maintain and operate these automated systems will grow, requiring continuous training and re-training.

A critical issue is whether these technologies will actually improve safety on the road. Automated driving systems and electric vehicles could reduce driver fatigue by handling long stretches of monotonous highway driving, a key factor in many truck accidents. Safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance offer backup protection, correcting human error and preventing collisions before they happen. But as the CDC notes, we do not yet fully understand how these emerging technologies will affect crash risks, injuries, or overall driver health. While the physical strain of long-haul driving may decrease, the question remains whether automation will translate into a significant reduction in accidents and fatalities.

This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.