Huge advances in technology have made passenger cars safer than ever before. Beyond seatbelts and airbags, safety technology now goes beyond reducing injuries to preventing accidents. Technology like forward-collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are drastically reducing the number of accidents on the road, but despite its success, the technology hasn’t been adopted as swiftly with other vehicles, specifically 18 wheelers.

According to a report by Securing America’s Future Energy, a think tank in Washington, D.C., only 15% of large commercial trucks in the U.S. were fitted with FCW or other collision-mitigation systems in 2015. To put this in perspective, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that in the U.S., nearly 30,000 trucking accidents each year could be prevented if trucks were outfitted with better safety technology, including FCW, AEB, blind-spot warning (BSW), lane-departure warning (LDW), and stability control.

Trucks Desperately Need New Safety Technology

Because of the size and weight of semi trucks, they frequently cause more catastrophic accidents and fatalities than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Of all the vehicles on the road, trucks pose the greatest risk, so they should be the first vehicles outfitted with safer technology, but that isn’t the case. Consumers choose cars with newer safety features for their own passenger cars because safety is important to them; however, for large trucking companies, profits are their number one priority. Semis outfitted with these technologies would be more expensive, and many companies simply choose cheaper options at the expense of road safety.

Driving Safely Is A Huge Responsibility

There are many truck drivers who drive responsibly and safely. Unfortunately, there are others that just do not appreciate the responsibility of driving an 18-wheeler. These individuals put everyone at risk by engaging in dangerous driving behaviors like speeding, allowing distractions, eating, and driving while tired. When truck drivers and trucking companies don’t take their responsibilities seriously, they need to be held accountable.

Houston Truck Accident Help

At Adame Garza LLP, we understand how devastating a trucking accident can be for you and your entire family. We want you to know that you are not alone. We can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for Houston truck accident help.