The improvement of technology to increase the safety of heavy vehicles is an ongoing goal for transportation companies and vehicle manufacturers alike.

In recent years, new advancements have been made, including mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems in all heavy vehicles, backup cameras and audio alerts, integrated collision stability systems, and lane departure warnings.

These features, along with driver training programs that include proper load management techniques, are helping to reducing fatalities related to large vehicle accidents.

As technology continues to improve, it’s likely we will see even greater safety improvements in the near future for these types of vehicles.

Whether you’re the driver of a heavy vehicle or a fleet manager, on-road safety is always a priority to prevent injury, fleet damage or worse still, a fatality.

While there have been many improvements to driver training and regulation over the years, and education of young motor-vehicle.

Drivers is essential to reducing the rate of multi-vehicle crashes, technology also plays a role in delivering a safer future for heavy vehicle drivers.

A report investigating the safety features and technologies for heavy vehicles, issued by NSW Transport, has identified many safety improvement opportunities, including three key technologies:

1. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems

Research suggests that if all heavy vehicles were fitted with AEB systems, the fatality rate of heavy vehicle crashes would be reduced by 25 per cent.

Considering that approximately 80 per cent of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involved a heavy vehicle.

A 25 per cent reduction in fatalities would significantly improve on-road safety for both car and heavy vehicle drivers.

An AEB system warns the driver of a truck or heavy vehicle when a crash threat is identified in front of the vehicle and applies braking.

The system relies on a radar or optical sensor, and some advanced systems are capable of detecting and protecting cyclists and pedestrians, as well as cars.

Unfortunately, this system cannot be retrofitted in a cost-effective way, so it is a technology that should instead be sought-out in new-vehicle purchases.

2. Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS)

A large number of heavy vehicle crashes involve running off the road, meaning a preventative technology like LDWS is highly beneficial to heavy vehicle drivers.

Though all highway drivers can benefit.

The system warns drivers when their vehicle unintentionally crosses a lane boundary and can be retrofitted onto older vehicles.

Research suggests that when the system is fitted on heavy vehicles, it may prevent about six per cent of fatal heavy vehicle crashes.

3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System

An ESC system has the potential to effectively avoid rollover crashes by minimising trailer swing when the brakes are suddenly and severely applied to a heavy vehicle.

The system works by assessing a drivers intended path, comparing this with the actual direction and the vehicle’s performance.

It is estimated that when fitted to a heavy vehicle, ESC systems may prevent around four per cent of heavy vehicle crashes.

The technology cannot be retrofitted to older trucks without significant financial outlay, making it another technology that should be sought when making a new purchase.

4. Driver monitoring systems

Aside from these three technologies, there is also a selection of driver monitoring equipment to improve safety, prevent crashes, and provide analytics for future crash prevention.

Two examples produced by DriveRisk are DriveCam and DriveAlert both can be retrofitted.

5. DriveCam

DriveCam records up to 100 hours of video evidence of what’s happening on the road and/or inside the driver’s cabin.

This can be helpful in the event of an accident, and also provides support for long-term behavioural changes and coaching.

6. DriveAlert

DriveAlert tracks the eyes and facial features of heavy vehicle operators to detect fatigue and distracted driving behaviours.

It can then alert the driver, predicting and preventing risky behaviours.

Both DriveCam and DriveAlert can also be beneficial when making insurance claims.

If you’re looking for the latest developments in truck driving safety and anything related to trucks, be sure to check out our blog. You can also talk with an expert from our finance team who will help identify remarkable ways of investing in technology that could make your fleet safer—simply give us a call at 1300 664 687!

In 2019, the National Transport Insurance company found that the number of truck driver fatalities more than doubled in 2019 when compared to any year over the past decade.

The same report also found cars were responsible for about 80 per cent of deadly multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks, though, truck drivers were less likely to be killed in these scenarios.

And young drivers (18-25 years old) were four times more likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes.

Considering that trucks transport about 75 per cent of Australia’s domestic freight, and that figure is expected to double by 2030 (meaning, more trucks will be on our roads), Australians need a two-sided educational approach to truck safety.

One that encompasses how to share the road with trucks safely and how truck drivers can minimise the associated risks of their job.

How Drivers Can Safely Share the Road With Trucks

There are several things car drivers can do to prevent accidents when sharing the road with heavy vehicles.

Be aware of truck blind spots

On average, trucks have four blind spots. These are directly in front of the truck, beside the truck driver’s door, on the passenger side (this one runs the entire length of the truck and extends out three lanes!), and 10 metres behind the truck.

Keep your distance and give plenty of notice

Trucks are heavy, which means they are slower to stop than a car. Considering it will take longer for a truck to stop, and they have multiple blind spots, keeping your distance and giving plenty of notice for turns and stops is vital.

Lane changes can be dangerous

Avoid unnecessary lane changes and stick to your side of the road, away from heavy vehicles, for the simple reason that trucks cannot easily get out of your way. Likewise, when a truck needs to change lanes, give the vehicle plenty of space.

Don’t be a distracted driver

Mobile phones, food packaging, stereo systems and fatigue can all contribute to potentially fatal accidents. Avoid distractions by keeping your mobile phone in the boot, pre-tuning your radio, setting your playlist in advance or pulling over for snacks. Regular stops where you stretch your body, walk or jog will also prevent fatigue and cramped muscles.

How Truck Drivers Can Mitigate Risk

No person should ever go to work and not return home, but unfortunately, that’s not the reality.

Accidents happen, and according to a 12-year study by Monash University, being an Australian truck drive puts you at 13 times more risk of dying at work than other Australian workers.

Truck driving is one of Australia’s most dangerous jobs.

While the logistics industry continues to advance digital technology aimed at improving driver safety, here’s what you can do right now to minimise your risk of accidents.

Always drive to the speed limit

Every job has deadlines, and part of a truck drivers job is to get to your destination on time. But no one is going to benefit from an accident, so please, follow the speed limits and adjust your driving speed to suit the conditions.

Avoid driving fatigued

Get plenty of sleep whenever possible, and follow the industry regulations about how many hours you can drive without breaking.

If you need to break more frequently: do so. A tired driver is a dangerous driver.

Regular exercise, plenty of water, and light, healthy snacks instead of heavy meals can also improve driver energy levels (see our previous blog here).

Stay focused

Whether you’re driving a bike, car or truck, drivers need to avoid distractions like mobile phones and radios.

Know what you are transporting

For truck drivers who are contracted to various clients and transport a range of materials, it’s important always to check what exactly you are transporting before you start driving.

This way, you can adjust your driving to suit your cargo, particularly if you are transporting hazardous goods.

You should also know the weight, height or length of your cargo to ensure the load is correctly distributed.

Contact us at AGM Finance for more information or to get started on a truck loan that words for you.