Semi-trucks are involved in thousands of accidents each year, and many of them cause significant injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently evaluating a number of safety technologies, including forward collision avoidance and mitigation (FCAM) systems, to determine if mandating their use would make roads safer for everyone.
What Are FCAM Systems?
FCAM systems provide an alert warning when your vehicle is going to collide with a vehicle in front of you. A forward-facing sensor can determine when an accident is imminent because the driver hasn’t applied the brakes. FCAM systems can also help reduce crashes by triggering automatic braking systems when a driver fails to brake on his own or providing supplemental braking when driver braking would fail to avoid a crash.
The NHTSA has conducted research on FCAM technologies for heavy vehicles for several years. It found that these systems are effective in preventing rear-end crashes, as well as reducing the severity of these types of accidents when they do occur. However, the NHTSA isn't the only group voicing its support for FCAM systems.
Safety organizations such as Truck Safety Coalition, the Center for Auto Safety, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and Road Safe America have been petitioning the NHTSA to make FCAM systems mandatory on large trucks since February 2015. In May of the same year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) sent a letter of support for the petition, recommending that the potential mandate be applied to trucks weighing 10,001 pounds or more.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Collision With a Semi-Truck
If FCAM technologies are eventually required for big trucks, the mandate comes too late for those who have already been injured in an accident with a semi-truck. If you were involved in a crash with a big-rig truck, the experienced legal team at Steinberg Injury Lawyers can help get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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