Self-driving technology is becoming more mainstream by the day. In fact, there are several companies out there looking to put more autonomous semi-trucks on America’s highways. To these companies, these vehicles are incredibly safe, with only a handful of accidents having occurred during limited testing in the real world. And these accidents, according to the companies, are attributable to other drivers and not the autonomous trucks. The hope is that this technology will reduce human error that so often contributes to serious truck collisions, thus reducing wrecks, injuries and deaths.
How does self-driving technology work?
These trucks are equipped with all sorts of technology. They use laser, radar and camera sensors to detect nearby vehicles, road signs and hazards, thus allowing the truck to maneuver appropriately when needed to do so. One major advantage of these systems is that they always maintain 360-degree monitoring, which is something that is simply impossible to achieve in a human driver.
Also, onboard computer systems continuously monitor the functionality and safety of the rig itself. Therefore, if a safety issue is detected, the truck will automatically pull over and call for assistance.
The benefits of autonomous semi-trucks
There are several safety benefits of these truck being touted, some of which have been mentioned above. For example, these trucks will maintain consistent speeds and avoid erratic movements, which, at least theoretically, will reduce the risk of an accident. Also, these trucks won’t be susceptible to being driven by a fatigued, intoxicated or distracted driver. This, too, should decrease the risk of a serious truck collision occurring.
Although speculative, there are some safety risks that have every day drivers concerned. One is the fact that technology can eventually fail, and that when it does in the context of an autonomous truck, the runaway weight of the vehicle can cause devastation. After all, it only takes a few second for an errant truck to veer into oncoming traffic, blow through a red light or fail to slow for stopped traffic.
Some motorists may also be concerned about the security of the technology utilized in these trucks, creating worries that it can be hacked, allowing the truck to be controlled by someone with bad intentions. Again, this hasn’t been shown to be an issue at this point, but it’s the uncertainty of it all that has many motorists uneasy.
What can you do to protect yourself from self-driving vehicles?
You may not even know when you’re driving next to an autonomous vehicle. Therefore, you should always implement defensive driving practices. This means keeping a safe distance between yourself and the vehicles in front of you, providing yourself with an escape route when surrounded by vehicles and obeying all traffic laws. Also, anticipate that other vehicles are going to move in erratic and unexpected ways.
What if you’re hurt in a truck collision?
If you’re harmed in a truck wreck, regardless of whether it’s autonomous or not, you should consider taking legal action. A successful claim can help you obtain accountability and a sense of closure, but it can also bring you much needed compensation to offset medical expenses, rehabilitation care, lost wages and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish and lost enjoyment of life.
But these cases can be hard to navigate and win. Don’t let that deter you, though. By being diligent and aggressive, you can position yourself for a fair and just outcome that sets you on course for the recovery that you want.