Truck Safety Technology for the 21st Century

This paper summarizes the progress that has occurred in Truck Safety with emphasis on the role of technology in reducing accidents and injuries. Opportunities for the future are examined including the potential for advanced collision avoidance techniques, such as electronic braking, object detection and driver awareness/fatigue countermeasures, since accident avoidance (active safety) offers the greatest potential payoff. Advanced occupant protection and crashworthiness issues (passive safety) are also addressed. The role of government in promoting technology and the need for international harmonization of standards is highlighted.