Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers: Automated Trucks on Construction Sites

Despite multiple levels of protection to ensure the safety of American road workers, 56 individuals were fatally injured in 2014 while working to fix our roadways, highways, and interstates. Distracted drivers, drivers who are intoxicated, and speeding drivers pose the most serious risks to those working on busy highways. With an average speed limit of 55 miles per hour, Philadelphia construction accident lawyers report that a worker hit by a passing vehicle is guaranteed to suffer serious and often fatal injuries.

In an effort to improve the safety of road workers, the Royal Truck and Equipment Company has invented the first autonomous vehicle equipped with an attenuator that is designed to absorb the impact of a collision. The device is attached to the back of a remote computer controlled truck that is designed to follow the manned lead vehicle in place to protect the road worker. In the event of a collision, the attenuator on the unmanned vehicle will absorb the majority of the impact, protecting the driver in the lead vehicle as well as the workers on the road.

A Practical Solution for a Consistent Problem

Currently, the majority of work sites set up on major highways and interstates include safety cones, flashing signs and arrows alerting drivers to upcoming construction, and a barrier vehicle. The unmanned vehicle that is designed to follow the barrier vehicle will provide yet another level of protection for the exposed road workers. In the event of a crash, the unmanned truck will provide a barrier for the manned truck, which will then protect those working outside of a vehicle at the construction site.

A spokesperson for Royal Truck and Equipment is hopeful that the automated trucks will soon be on the road. Using the latest technology and engineering, the company’s ultimate goal is to improve the safety for those working in the dangerous conditions experienced on highway construction sites.

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Victims of Construction Accidents

Serious and often fatal injuries occur to workers in construction zones across the country. Even with multiple safety measures in place to protect vulnerable road workers, accidents happen. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a construction accident, the Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law can help you claim the compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

Call us at our Philadelphia offices at 215-426-4493, or at our Cherry Hill offices at 856-414-0010, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. From our convenient locations in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, we are able to serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County.