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What Are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?

Rearview cameras, automatic braking systems, and other safety systems enhance road safety.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are a set of high-tech features built into trucks to help improve safety, reduce driver fatigue, and human error.

These systems don’t take over driving, but act as extra eyes and ears for the human driver on the road, providing helpful warnings and in some cases, taking corrective actions to avoid accidents.

How Do ADAS Work?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems use a combination of cameras, radar, and Light Detection (LiDAR) sensors, and other external sensors to detect the vehicle’s surroundings. The information gathered is then processed by a computer which triggers alerts or assist drivers in various ways.

Core Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Applications

Beyond the core ADAS features mentioned above, here’s a breakdown of some applications specifically designed to benefit truck drivers in various situations:

New vehicle models have intelligent systems installed that alert drivers of their surroundings.

Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDW) with Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

This advanced driver assistance system builds upon the basic LDW system.

While LDW provides an alert when the truck unintentionally drifts out of its lane, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) can take it a step further. LKA can gently nudge the steering wheel to guide the truck back into its lane, providing a corrective action to help prevent lane departure accidents. This is particularly useful on long stretches of highway where fatigue can set in.

Lane Change Assist (LCA)

This system uses blind spot sensors to detect vehicles in the truck’s blind zones and provide an alert when the driver attempts to change lanes while another vehicle is present.

This can significantly reduce blind spot accidents, a common concern for truck drivers due to the large size of their vehicles.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go

This advanced version of ACC can bring the truck to a complete stop in heavy traffic and automatically restart when traffic begins to move again.

This reduces driver fatigue caused by constantly applying and releasing the brakes in slow-moving or congested conditions.

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

This system uses cameras to detect and recognize traffic signs like speed limits and no passing zones. It can then display this information on the dashboard or integrate it with the ACC system to automatically adjust the truck’s speed to comply with the posted speed limit.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

This system detects a potential collision with a vehicle ahead and provides an audible or visual warning to alert the driver. Forward Collision Warning systems have reduced front-to-rear crashes by 50% in 2022.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection

As a more advanced collision avoidance system, AEB not only warns the driver but can also automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact of a forward collision. This can be lifesaving in situations where the driver may not react fast enough.

Truck-Specific Applications

These applications of advanced driver assistance systems help commercial vehicles

Underride Guard Detection

The underride guard detection system uses cameras or radar to detect objects below the front of the truck, helping to prevent accidents where a smaller vehicle collides with the underside of the truck.

Docking Assist Systems

These use cameras and sensors to guide the truck during docking procedures, reducing the risk of collisions with warehouse structures or other vehicles during loading and unloading.

Why Are ADAS Important in the Trucking Industry?

ADAS represents a significant step forward in improving road safety and efficiency within the trucking industry. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect even greater benefits for both truck drivers and the motoring public at large.

Additionally, truck accidents can have devastating consequences. ADAS systems play a vital role in the industry for several reasons:

Active Safety Systems and Safety Measures

Truck accidents can be devastating due to the size and weight of these vehicles. ADAS safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems can help prevent these accidents by reacting faster than humans in critical situations and reducing driver fatigue, a major contributor to accidents.

Reduced Driver Stress

Long hours on the road, monotonous stretches of highway, and blind spots can all contribute to driver fatigue and stress. ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist can lessen this burden by automating some driving tasks and providing additional awareness of the surroundings.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Features like traffic sign recognition and speed limiters can help ensure trucks are operating within legal limits and adhering to speed restrictions. Additionally, docking assist systems can streamline the loading and unloading process, saving time and fuel.

Driver Retention

A focus on road safety can be a major selling point for attracting and retaining qualified drivers in a competitive job market. By demonstrating a commitment to safety through ADAS technology, trucking companies can create a more attractive work environment for drivers.

Vehicles equipped with advanced systems can have its downsides.

Limitations of ADAS

While ADAS offers significant advantages for truck drivers, it’s important to acknowledge some potential drawbacks:

Over-reliance on Technology

There’s a concern that drivers may become overly reliant on ADAS features, neglecting their own responsibility to stay alert and focused on the road. This can lead to complacency and potentially slower reaction times in situations where the technology reaches its limits.

This is also the main argument within the transportation industry against autonomous driving.

System Limitations

ADAS features are not perfect. They rely on sensors and software algorithms, which can be susceptible to errors or malfunctions. Factors like bad weather, poor lighting, or unexpected objects on the road can hinder sensor performance and lead to false warnings or missed detections.

Cost Factors

The initial cost of purchasing a truck equipped with ADAS features can be higher. Additionally, there may be ongoing maintenance or calibration costs associated with the sensors and software.

Driver Distraction

While some ADAS features aim to reduce distraction, some systems might require driver input or generate frequent alerts that could take a driver’s attention away from the road momentarily.

How Does ADAS Affect Commercial Trucking Insurance Costs?

The impact of ADAS on commercial truck insurance premiums is still evolving, but there are signs that it can lead to cost savings.

Studies suggest trucks with ADAS are involved in fewer accidents. This translates to fewer insurance claims for trucking companies, which can incentivize insurers to offer lower premiums.

Some insurance carriers already offer discounts for trucks equipped with specific ADAS features like automatic emergency braking or lane departure warning.

New vehicles with ADAS may help lower the insurance premiums of commercial vehicles.

However, advanced driver assistance systems is a relatively new technology, and long-term data on its impact on accidents is still being gathered. Insurance companies may wait for more conclusive evidence before widely implementing significant discounts.

Contact us for a free trucking insurance quotes and we’ll help you find the right carriers that incentivizes truck drivers with ADAS. Our Premium Control Plan (PCP) is our proactive way of maintaining your premiums.

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