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Automated trucks predicted to reduce accidents

On Behalf of | Oct 29, 2018 | Firm News, Truck Accidents |

Self-driving vehicles are going through extensive testing right now, and one of the main industries showing interest in the new technology is the trucking industry. Currently, companies need to pay full-time drivers to move incredible amounts of freight all over the country, but self-driving trucks may give them the ability to cut back on employees without cutting back on production.

While the pros and cons of this system can be debated, one potential upside is that experts believe self-driving vehicles would cause far fewer accidents. One prediction claimed the reduction in truck accidents could save $36 billion per year.

How could it be this serious? The problem is that over 90 percent of wrecks involving semitrucks happened because of human error. In about one out of every seven deadly crashes, the problem was driver fatigue. This is a big issue in the trucking industry, as drivers try to stay on the road and earn more no matter how they feel. Take it out of the equation, and you see a massive reduction in accidents.

Throwing financial considerations aside, this change can also keep people safe. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 11,000 people suffered injuries in truck accidents in 2014, all over the United States. Another 3,903 people lost their lives. Even if self-driving trucks still got into a handful of accidents, they could potentially reduce that toll massively since they do not get tired and make fewer mistakes.

Have you gotten hurt in a truck accident? If so, make sure you are well aware of the rights you have to seek out financial compensation.