NTSB Requests Highway Regulators Make Safety Recommendations a Top Priority
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), truck accident deaths have increased by nearly 17% since 2009.
Among the fatalities are pedestrians, drivers and passengers from smaller vehicles, as well as other truckers. The agency found that there is a direct link between poor safety enforcement and the profound increase in trucking accidents.
Recently the NTSB issued a report stating that state highway regulators have ignored over 100 of the agency’s safety recommendations that were created to help reduce the number of truck accidents on the nation’s roads and highways. They feel that the time is right for putting many of their suggestions into immediate practice.
Advances in technology make it possible for trucks to be equipped with various systems designed to reduce truck accidents. These features include:
Sensors that would warn truck drivers if they are about to hit someone from behind
Devices that would alert truckers if a car suddenly changed lanes
Cameras used to detect blind spots
Roll stability equipment
High definition sensors that act as a “third eye” by recognizing traffic signs and objects on the roadways
The NTSB also believes that serious attention must be given to monitoring truck driver fatigue. In many instances, trucking companies do not focus enough on keeping track of truck drivers’ hours of service which is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition, often times there are no screenings for detecting any types of sleeping disorders that could lead to drowsiness. Moreover, there is another factor contributing to the dangers of driver fatigue truck drivers often experience. Congress recently reduced regulations that were designed to reduce trucker fatigue.
The NTSB emphasized that attention must continue to be given to programs created to prevent distracted driving and driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol in order to effectively reduce the risk of truck accidents.
