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Could autonomous trucks be the key to safer roads?

On Behalf of | Sep 27, 2019 | Personal Injury |

Trucks are large, heavy vehicles that play an important role in the American economy and in Texas. They are also capable of causing significant damage in collisions with smaller vehicles thanks to the aforementioned size and mass. Truck accidents are a concern for every person on the road, and there is a lot of conjecture regarding what could reduce the number of these types of incidents. 

Autonomous vehicles are coming, and that also includes autonomous trucking. There are certain benefits to having trucks that could drive themselves to make deliveries, but there are also serious concerns that come with them, too. You may want to learn more about these vehicles and how they may be a key component to reducing accidents and making the roads safer for everyone.

Why are automated trucks the right solution?

There is little doubt that human error is the leading reason for most types of motor vehicle accidents, including commercial truck accidents. Drivers may be tired, distracted, inexperienced or reckless, and any of these things may lead to an increased chance of a collision. Consider the following about autonomous trucks:

  • It’s possible that driverless trucks could be on the roads sooner than later, but there is a lack of necessary infrastructure to make this roll out successful.
  • To increase open mindedness about these types of vehicles, the trucking industry and automakers need to be able to prove that automated trucks are safer than those driven by human drivers.
  • Automated trucks could cause some truckers to lose their jobs, but this may be offset by an increase in other types of opportunities in the same field. 

There are many reasons why people are hesitant about automated trucks, even though statistics and data indicate that these vehicles are less likely to cause an accident than a human driver. Regardless, people are not likely to think scientifically about such a novel idea, at least not in the near future.

Truck accident victims

Until there is a time when automated trucks are on the road, people may find themselves the victims of preventable truck accidents. If you suffered injuries, you could have a valid claim to financial compensation. A personal injury claim filed against the liable party could help you recoup some of your losses and help you rebuild your life. This can be a complicated process, and you may find it helpful to seek the guidance of an experienced accident attorney.