In a recent year, nearly 5,000 people in the U.S. were killed and 147,000 were injured in traffic crashes involving large trucks, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC). There are more trucks than ever on the roads today, and the trucking industry is losing experienced drivers. The good news is that artificial intelligence (AI) technology is emerging that could significantly reduce the risk of truck accidents.
What Is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence can be defined as intelligence demonstrated by machines as opposed to humans or animals. In this context, intelligence means perceiving, inferring, and synthesizing information. AI may also be described as the theory and development of computer systems that are able to perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence. Examples of such tasks include speech recognition, visual perception, translation between languages, and decision making.
How Is AI Being Used in the Trucking Industry?
Advanced technology in the trucking industry involves AI-powered dashcams and AI-based coaching designed to reduce high-risk driving behavior and help prevent accidents. It can be used to accomplish several purposes:
- Alerting the driver: AI technology has the capability of monitoring both the driver and the surrounding conditions in real time. It can send alerts that allow the driver to take early action to avoid accidents. For example, a collision avoidance system can alert the driver with an alarm when a big rig gets too close to the vehicle ahead. Cameras and sensors in the cab of the truck can detect unsafe driving behavior, triggering a prompt to the driver. AI technology can be used to coach truck drivers on dangerous driving behavior such as speeding, following too closely, making unsafe lane changes, or using a cell phone behind the wheel of a truck.
- Recording the driver’s actions: A dashcam in the truck can a record the driver, creating a safety profile that is available to the trucking company. This allows companies to rank their drivers based on how safely they drive and alerts them to potential problems so they can action before an accident happens. Drivers who are being watched and evaluated are more likely to be careful about following safety regulations.
- Preventing truck breakdowns: Predictive maintenance technology is now available to the trucking industry. Instead of performing maintenance and repairs at regular intervals or after a vehicle malfunctions, this technology allows trucking companies to perform maintenance when an algorithm predicts impending equipment failure. Predictive maintenance technology can not only reduce repair costs and maximize vehicle up time, but also help prevent breakdowns that can lead to deadly truck accidents.
What Are the Challenges Associated With AI Technology in Trucking?
In a recent study, researchers found that trucking fleets using AI-powered dashcams and frequent coaching had 22% fewer accidents and 56% fewer unsafe driving incidents, as reported on businesswire. Benefits notwithstanding, there may be challenges with implementing AI technology in the trucking industry. For some companies, the cost of implementation may be prohibitive. Other issues may include lack of standardization and privacy concerns.
What Is the Role of a Personal Injury Attorney With AI Technology?
AI technology can record data about the actions and driving behavior of the trucker and about the semi-truck itself. Our Colorado Springs truck accident lawyers can use that data to support a claim for compensation if you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident.
Attorney Timothy Bussey has been voted Top Attorney in Colorado Springs by Colorado Springs Style magazine for the past nine years in a row. Contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555 to find out how we can help.