Technology has been revolutionizing our driving habits for decades. While most of these improvements are beneficial, making travel more efficient and enhancing protections, others have created significant dangers. And now, many safety advocates are turning their eyes toward autonomous semi-trucks that are bound to hit America’s highways in large numbers in the years to come.
In fact, one company, Aurora, has already shipped goods over 1 million miles in self-driving trucks, albeit with human passengers as a precaution. In the near future, though, the company, and many of its competitors, expect to significantly expand the use of these trucks. That begs the question: are autonomous semi-trucks safe?
How safe are self-driving semi-trucks?
The answer depends on who you ask. Autonomous truck makers like Aurora will point to years of testing and accident statistics demonstrating that their vehicles are safe. In fact, in the 1 million miles mentioned above, Aurora’s trucks were only involved in three accidents, all caused by drivers in other vehicles. This safety record is attributable to multiple laser sensors and cameras that detect obstacles in the road, and at greater distances than what is normally possible with the human eye. This allows self-driving trucks to quickly move to safety, even if that means pulling to the side of the road.
And the safety features don’t end there. Given that these rigs are run by computer systems, they don’t get tired and fatigued like human drivers do, and they’re not susceptible to intoxication. These systems are always also aware of their entire surroundings. These trucks will also stop and call for help if the computer systems detect that there’s a safety defect that requires maintenance.
Are there risks with autonomous trucks?
Yes. This technology is still relatively new, and there are essentially no regulations at the state or federal level to ensure safety. Also, if recent events involving self-driving cars are to tell us anything, it’s that their systems are prone to errors and failures. When there’s a system disruption or failure, the results can be catastrophic, leading to injuries and death.
That’s why many people who are made aware of self-driving trucks are nervous. For many of them, the technology is simply too new to rely upon, especially considering the large size of these rigs.
Is there anything you can do to keep yourself safe?
There’s a good chance that you won’t even know when you’re driving next to an autonomous semi-truck. Therefore, when you travel, you should be sure to engage in defensive driving just like you would any other time. Give yourself plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, maintain a safe speed and remain alert of your surroundings. When near semi-trucks, be sure to have an escape route so that you can initiate evasive maneuvers if a semi-truck veers towards you unexpectedly. By being as defensive as possible, you can reduce your risk of being seriously injured in a truck accident.
What are your next steps after being hurt in a truck accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, then you need to consider taking legal action to protect your interests. If you don’t, then you may be left to fend for yourself when it comes time to pay your bills, including your medical and rehabilitation expenses. So, if you’re ready to try to right a wrong that’s been done to you in the form of a truck accident, take action now to build the persuasive legal claim you need.