Modern technology is developing at an extraordinary pace, with new devices and innovations arriving all the time, and we only have to look at the world of automobiles and other vehicles to see countless examples of this technological evolution in action.
In the past, concepts like self-driving cars and in-car GPS devices were reserved for the realms of science fiction, but now, these kinds of technology are very much a part of the real world. The trucking industry, too, is seeing some big benefits and changes because of technology.
Trucking has long been considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, with truckers often struggling with mental and physical health problems, as well as a high risk of on-the-job accidents, but today’s tech is improving the odds for every trucker, as this guide will attempt to illustrate.
Advanced GPS Devices
The GPS has been one of the most important inventions for navigation in general, both on a personal level for people wanting to get around from place to place, as well as on a professional level for companies and workers who rely on efficient and effective route-planning to carry out their day-to-day duties. It’s no surprise, therefore, the GPS devices are vital for trucking.
Truckers rely on these devices every single day to get around to their various destinations, transporting huge hauls of freight all across America, and many modern trucks are equipped with state-of-the-art GPS technology that goes much further than the kinds of GPS devices you might find in a family car, offering information on everything from bridge weight limits to local fuel prices.
Camera Technology
It’s common knowledge that trucks have a lot of blind spots, and this is one of the main factors contributing to so many truck accidents, as other road users can enter those blind spots and essentially become invisible to the eyes of the trucker. Even attentive, careful truckers can cause accidents through no fault of their own, because of this issue.
New camera technology is now being introduced in the trucking industry to solve the problem, with cameras actually being trialed as a possible replacement for truck mirrors, giving truckers a clearer and wider view of the spaces around and behind them. The cameras transmit signals directly to monitors inside the cab for the trucker’s easy viewing, and hopes are high that this could be a huge breakthrough for truck safety.
Dash Cameras
Dash cameras, or dash cams as they are commonly known, are another example of a relatively recent technological innovation that has changed the game for truckers across America and many other parts of the world as well. These cameras can be positioned facing out of the truck’s windows to record the scene as the truck is in motion, keeping a record of any accidents or incidents that might occur.
Studies show that when accidents happen involving trucks, the truck tends to be blamed more often than not, and it can be a grueling process for truckers and trucking companies to have to make insurance claims and gather evidence to support their drivers. Dashcams make this whole process a lot easier, providing tangible proof of exactly what happened.
Entertainment Devices
Trucking can be something of a dull and tiring experience at times, especially when truckers set off on very long cross-state or cross-country journeys that may last many hours. Sitting alone in the cab without much to think about aside from the road ahead can be exhausting, and as drivers get tired, they may be more likely to cause an accident. There are also many moments when truckers take breaks at rest stops and may get bored or sleepy with nothing to do.
Fortunately, technology is changing the game once again. These days, truckers can rely on smartphones and similar devices to bring along their trucks with them. These devices obviously should not be used while the vehicle is in motion or active, but phones can be set up to play music, audiobooks, or podcasts before setting off, and other in-car devices and screens can be used to keep truckers entertained while they’re taking breaks, helping to protect their mental health.
Final Word
Technology is clearly having a big impact on the trucking world in a lot of different ways, and any trucking companies out there that want to remain relevant and competitive in the modern world need to make the most of the technological options available to them.
