Volvo Trucks Sees Automation as the Key to Safety

Volvo Trucks recently released two films documenting their intuitive to introduce automated technology in commercial trucks manufactured and sold globally. Autonomous technology, including driver assist systems and collision mitigation equipment, are promising tools in the effort to reduce crashes involving large commercial trucks.

Volvo Trucks executives say safety is the primary goal of automation, but they say this innovative technology has plenty of other benefits. In pilot programs in the mining and sugar cane industries, automation helped truckers increase productivity and decrease fuel consumption.

Existing Autonomous Technology in Volvo Trucks

Volvo Active Driver Assist technology is a standard issue on two new Volvo series trucks. The system detects objects in the truck’s path by utilizing radar and cameras, alerting the driver if a crash is imminent. When Volvo Active Driver Assist senses a metallic object of a certain size, the system emits visual and audible warnings, including a red warning light reflected on the windshield.

If the driver fails to respond, Volvo Active Driver Assist automatically engages the brakes to avoid a crash. This technology also incorporates a Lane Departure Warning System, which alerts the driver of an unintended lane change.

Benefits of Automation in Commercial Trucking

The global director of autonomous solutions of Volvo Trucks sees numerous benefits of automation. He believes the addition of autonomous technology in commercial trucks will:

• Decrease fuel consumption
• Increase productivity
• Improve safety
• Reduce CO2 emissions
• Optimize traffic management
• Reduce equipment wear and tear
• Streamline route planning

The Future of Self-Driving Technology

San Francisco-based company, Otto, is one of the companies behind the creation of Volvo’s self-driving technology. They are working hard to develop new and more innovative systems that are not just for trucks, but for passenger vehicles as well. With the cost of self-driving systems at $30,000, Otto’s engineers’ primary goal is to design safe, affordable systems that keep drivers safe and enhance productivity for drivers and fleets. The company has already tested a completely-automated commercial delivery with a human driver.

Some truckers fear that the addition of self-driving technology is going to replace human jobs. Volvo Trucks insists this is not the case because skilled drivers will always be in demand. They say automation is about helping drivers do their jobs more safely and efficiently.

Cherry Hill Truck Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Fight for Victims of Trucking Accidents

Until automated trucking eliminates accidents, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are still at risk of severe injury after a truck accident. Because of the weight and power of commercial trucks, accidents are more likely to cause serious and fatal injuries. Cherry Hill truck accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law have extensive experience handling complex truck accidents caused by careless drivers. To schedule a free case consultation, call us at 856-414-0010 or submit an online inquiry today. We are in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients from the surrounding areas.