Autonomous vehicles are set to make an impact on the way that Americans handle the roadways. How long before New Jersey sees self-driving trucks in addition to the autonomous vehicle technology? Self-driving trucks are already on the way. While there is a long way to go, the technology is in current development. Already, a modified Peterbilt tractor traveled from California to Florida.
EHS today suggests that self-driving trucks may help curb distracted driving accidents. If you feel hesitant about autonomous vehicles, then you are not unlike many Americans. New technology always comes with concerns. There will always be advantages and disadvantages to different technological advances. With the devastation that a truck accident can cause, however, it is important to consider ways to make the roads safer.
In a standard truck, it is up to the driver to be attentive and to ensure that he or she follows the proper safety precautions. In general, truckers spend a lot of time simply watching the road ahead while driving. On open, straight stretches of road, truckers have more downtime. This is not the main concern with truckers, however.
Truckers are overworked. They spend weeks on the road, work long hours and in recent years there have been more shortages of drivers in the US. Drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers. Autonomous vehicles have several levels of automation. So far, self-driving trucks still need a driver to monitor the vehicle. Self-driving technology can help a trucker avoid accidents, however.
The information is intended to provide information about self-driving trucks. It is not intended to be legal advice.
