Dynamic routing technology takes route planning to a whole new level. Using a combination of innovative hardware and software, truck drivers can determine the most efficient route based on up to the minute information regarding weather, traffic, construction and more. In addition to helping truckers avoid delays or potential hazards, this safety technology helps ensure on-time deliveries, fuel conservation, and various inconveniences.

Modern video tech equipment serves to effectively protect drivers in various ways. For example, on-demand recording dash cams offer fact-based video that can help truckers facing legal battles. With a recording showing actual footage of an accident from the trucker’s perspective, these cameras help save careers from wrongful blame.

Plus, new 360-degree cameras greatly improve visibility of the driver’s exterior surroundings in real-time. Meanwhile, back-up cameras help eliminate blind spots by giving truckers a full view of what’s behind them and around them, particularly in tighter parking spaces. These livestream video capture systems can ultimately prevent accidents.

The trucking industry is always working to improve the safety of their trucks because the fact is, the mere size of commercial trucks poses risks to drivers and the public alike. Driver assist features, such as lane departure warning, brake assist, and adaptive cruise control have become more common in passenger vehicles as well as commercial vehicles.

• The lane departure warning system alerts the driver when veering out of the lane. A resulting rumble sound and/or dashboard light reminds the driver to stay alert and in the appropriate lane.
• Lane keeping assist technology, which is a step towards autonomous trucks, will automatically help a trucker stay centered in a lane. Combined with a warning system, this safety feature helps keep everyone on the road safer and is particularly useful on windy days.
• Blind spot assist systems, also known as side guard assist, utilizes sensors capable of detecting pedestrians or obstacles in blind spot areas alerts the driver via a light alert.

Recently, the American Trucking Association along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have teamed up with other organizations in an effort to provide advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Deemed as lifesaving technology, the four systems being focused on include “active braking, active steering, active warning, and camera monitoring systems.”

Gone are the days of pen and paper logs. While truckers have been accustomed to tracking Hours of Service (HOS) for years now, drivers are now required by federal law to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) instead of paper spreadsheets.

An ELD device automatically records the number of hours driven to ensure fleets and drivers maintain compliance. This technology allows drivers more time to focus on making on-time deliveries instead of manually tracking hours and miles before taking a break.

Self-driving vehicles are quickly becoming a reality, but not only for private vehicles. Manufacturers are striving to develop and integrate AI technology to offer autonomous commercial vehicles too. There are already prototypes being tested and they’re expected to be available in the next year.

For starters, these trucks will likely require a driver behind the wheel. However, as this tech inevitably grows more advanced and reliable in the coming years, we can expect to see fully autonomous delivery vehicles with no driver on board whatsoever. This will help address the growing drive shortage, while allowing truckers to avoid the most dangerous routes in the country.

While most everyone is accustomed to having mobile devices these days, we shouldn’t overlook how important our smartphones are, especially for truckers. Mobile devices help keep truck drivers connected to others in their fleet, as well as family and friends, during over-the-road trips.

Not only does this connectivity offer emotional support, it helps keep drivers in touch personally and professionally, adding yet another safety measure and improving the ability of every truck driver to provide the most timely service.

Want to Learn More about the Latest Trucking Technology?

These are just some examples of the new truck technology that’s helping to increase safety for truckers, other drivers, and pedestrians across America. Want to stay abreast of up-and-coming tech and other trucking news? Sign up for the Suppose U Drive newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments and events in the trucking industry.