Truck Drivers Are Still Not Mandated To Use Safety Devices
Crash avoidance systems exist that can be used by truck drivers to reduce the risk of a catastrophic truck accident. However, these crash avoidance systems are not required by law. Those who have been victims of a car accident resulting from negligent truck drivers have pushed for truck drivers to be mandated to use crash avoidance systems.
Common Safety Features
The type of safety device most often recommended for trucks is an automatic braking system. This safety system uses radar to detect a vehicle that has stopped hundreds of feet away. This then triggers the truck to brake automatically. Oftentimes, this allows the truck to stop when the driver is not paying attention. Even if the truck is not able to stop, braking will slow it down enough to reduce the extent of the damages. In addition to automatic braking, forward collision warning systems can alert drivers when they could potentially collide with an object in the future.
Stability control is another safety feature that can reduce accidents. When the system detects a loss of steering control, it applies brakes. It is like anti-lock braking but operates when you are not braking.
The Lack of Regulation
Because of the size of an average commercial vehicle, a collision with the vehicle can lead to serious injury or death even during a fender bender. However, the NHTSA has not taken steps toward creating regulations to require drivers to use these systems.
Driver Negligence
Even if it is not required yet that trucks have advanced safety features, you will still be able to pursue litigation for drivers who are showing negligence when driving and the negligence has resulted in an accident. To do this, you will need to show that the driver could have taken steps to prevent the accident, but chose not to.
A common reason why truck drivers have accidents is that they become distracted. After driving for a long period a truck driver may become bored and be looking at a tablet or his or her phone. However, given that trucks have a shorter margin-of-error due to stopping more slowly, this is much more likely to cause a serious accident.
If you have been involved in a serious accident involving a truck, make sure to contact a truck accident lawyer. An accident involving a truck can lead to expensive medical bills and you will want to do everything you can to receive the compensation you deserve.
For more information on truck accidents and safety, reach out to a company like Snyder & Wenner, P.C.