Trucking Industry Slow To Adopt ADAS Technologies

In order to keep the public up-to-date on news in the trucking industry and how it could affect everyday drivers, our truck accident attorneys at Metier Law Firm want to share with you some news about how the trucking industry is lagging to bring on board new safety measures like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that could protect all drivers on the roads.

Despite clear evidence that ADAS can significantly improve safety, the trucking industry is slow to adopt these technologies.

A recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) highlighted the benefits of ADAS, which include features like automatic braking, lane departure warnings, and collision alerts. These systems can reduce accidents and save lives, yet many truck drivers and fleet operators remain hesitant.

Proven Benefits of ADAS

The FMCSA's "TechCelerate Now” program conducted a three-year study involving approximately 50,000 trucks equipped with ADAS, covering 5.7 billion miles and recording 10,000 crashes and nearly 60,000 near-crashes. The results were impressive: ADAS-equipped trucks had markedly lower crash rates. Specifically, trucks with automatic braking systems had 40% fewer crashes, those with forward collision warnings had 30% fewer crashes, and trucks with lane departure warnings saw a 21% reduction in crashes compared to those without these systems. These statistics show that ADAS can make a significant difference in road safety.

Barriers to ADAS Adoption

So why are truck drivers and fleet operators slow to adopt these technologies? Several factors contribute to this hesitation:

1.    Cost Concerns: The initial cost of installing ADAS can be high, which is a significant barrier for smaller trucking companies.

While larger carriers are more likely to invest in ADAS technologies, the secondary market provides an opportunity for smaller fleets. As big carriers sell their ADAS-equipped trucks after about five years, these vehicles become accessible to smaller operators at a lower cost, gradually increasing the adoption of these safety-enhancing systems.

2.    Technological Skepticism: Some drivers are wary of relying on new technologies, fearing system failures or false alarms.

3.    Training and Maintenance: Proper training and maintenance are required to use ADAS effectively, and some companies may be reluctant to invest in these areas.  The trucking companies without a safety culture are often the cause of serious truck accidents.

Financial Incentives for ADAS Adoption

To encourage adoption, the FMCSA is promoting financial incentives and support. This includes tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans to help offset the initial costs. 

Additionally, affordable aftermarket ADAS solutions are available, which can be installed on existing trucks. These include road-facing cameras, blind spot warning systems, and camera-based mirror systems, which can be installed on existing trucks at a fraction of the cost of new, fully equipped vehicles. These solutions provide many of the same safety benefits and offer a feasible way for smaller companies to enhance safety without significant financial burden.

FMCSA's ROI Calculator

To assist fleet operators in making informed decisions, the FMCSA offers a Return on Investment calculator. This tool helps truck owners compare the costs of implementing ADAS technologies against the potential savings from reduced accidents and associated costs. By considering factors such as fleet size, equipment costs, driver training and coaching expenses, insurance costs, and crash data, operators can better understand the financial benefits of adopting ADAS technologies.

Truck Industry 

The FMCSA's "TechCelerate Now” program underscores the substantial safety improvements that ADAS technologies offer. However, the trucking industry's slow adoption rate is a concern for the driving public. Overcoming driver resistance and financial barriers, coupled with proper training and maintenance, is crucial to realizing the full potential of ADAS. As the adoption of these technologies grows, the roads will become safer for all users.  Unfortunately, the question remains: How many large trucks will seriously injure drivers before ADAS technologies are widely adopted?

If you, your family or friends have been injured in a collision with a heavy truck, call Metier Law Firm for a free consultation at (866) 377-3800.  We know the trucking industry and specialize in helping victims of truck accidents. Our case results speak for themselves.  If we can’t help you, we will give you the answers you need to move forward.