Connected Traffic Warnings for Enhanced Commercial Trucking Safety

Commercial trucking forms the backbone of global supply chains, but the consistently high number of truck-related fatalities emphasises the pressing need for enhanced safety systems. Connected safety systems present a significant opportunity to mitigate risks and prevent collisions by providing commercial vehicle operators with real-time hazard alerts. This paper delves into the operational mechanisms and potential benefits of such warning systems within the trucking industry. These systems function by establishing a network of connected vehicles capable of detecting and communicating hazardous situations through a centralised, cloud-based platform. By seamlessly integrating real-time telemetry data from individual trucks with information sourced from third-party providers, weather services, the system gains an understanding of prevailing road conditions. This allows for the identification of potential dangers such as traffic accidents, ongoing road construction or maintenance activities, and localised adverse weather phenomena, even when these hazards are situated beyond the immediate visual perception of the driver. Upon detection of a potential hazard, the system promptly distributes warnings to relevant nearby vehicles. These alerts are typically presented to drivers through intuitive visual cues displayed on their navigation systems if warnings are on the most probable drive path, and are accompanied by distinct acoustic notifications, ensuring driver awareness without causing undue distraction. The effectiveness and widespread impact of such connected safety systems are significantly enhanced by their inherent compatibility across different vehicle manufacturers and seamless integration with existing and future intelligent transportation infrastructure operated by public and private entities. This broad interoperability ensures comprehensive coverage and maximises the potential for proactive hazard mitigation across the commercial trucking fleet, ultimately contributing to a safer transportation ecosystem for all road users.