The number of large truck crash fatalities in 2017 came to 4,102, which was a 28 percent increase from 2009. Of those fatalities, 68 percent were car occupants and 14 percent were pedestrians, bicycle riders or motorcyclists. New York residents should know that many truck safety groups are advocating devices like forward crash avoidance and mitigation technology on all heavy trucks as a way to reduce these numbers.
On at least 10 different occasions since the 1990s, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that these systems be mandated. If they were mandated, they might prevent thousands of rear-end accidents. While these are the most devastating of truck accidents, they’re also the most easily avoidable with technology. However, the NHTSA has not even attempted to propose a regulation of its own.
The NHTSA studied early forward crash warning systems from 2013 to 2016, and it is currently studying next-generation automatic emergency braking technology. In 18 to 24 months, the association will complete field operation testing for AEB. Still, it has not given a reason why it ignores the NTSB’s recommendations.
AEB and forward collision warning systems are already found on many new vehicles. The auto industry expects these to become standard on all new vehicles in the U.S. by 2022. Yet truck safety devices cannot be said to be keeping up with technological advances.
Many truck accidents are caused by the negligence of truckers themselves, and safety features can only do so much about that. Someone who incurs a personal injury through the negligence of a trucker may be able to file a claim and be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. A lawyer could assist with the filing and the negotiations. If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, the victim may have their lawyer litigate.