Could Self-Driving Trucks be the Key to Preventing Georgia Trucking Accidents?
It is widely known that many trucking accidents are caused by driver error, oftentimes related to driver exhaustion. In general, truck drivers work hard to ensure that consumer goods get from point A to point B, an essential part of the free flow of interstate commerce. Without trucks and the highly trained truckers who operate them, we would not get gas for our cars, food for our tables, and medication dispensed by our pharmacies. While trucks do play an integral role in everyday society, they are still very large vehicles that have the potential to cause serious injury or death if involved in an accident.
Nevada Has Opened the Door to a New Way of Truck Driving
Given that any trucking accident could be catastrophic, measures have been taken to help alleviate key problems many truck drivers experience – prolonged fatigue and sleep deprivation. Nevada law allows for the use of semi-autonomous cars and trucks on the roadways, along with California, Florida and Michigan. Freightliner, a well-known truck manufacturer, recently launched its new autonomous "Inspiration Truck." This truck has the ability to operate by itself, with the truck driver merely standing by. Such a move could mean a trend in the direction of autonomous driving and trucking across the United States.
While Georgia and other states in the Southeast (excluding Florida) do not yet have laws allowing for the use of autonomous driving and trucking, legislation is being discussed and considered by state governments. The new Inspiration Truck could be seen as a test case that can answer many questions governments and the people have about how autonomous trucking could mean highways that are a little bit safer.
While this may certainly be a step in the right direction, there are always new risks that may be associated with any new technology. For example, an autonomous system can be wonderful so long as it works properly. If something malfunctions, the truck may become just as dangerous as it would with a sleepy driver behind the wheel. As such, only time will tell if the Inspiration Truck will prove to make roads safer rather than more dangerous.
Accidents may continue to happen, but saving even one more life or sparing just one person of debilitating injuries would be positive. Despite the possibility of increased safety on the highways, innocent people will continue to be involved in trucking accidents, and when injuries resulting from the accident are caused by a negligent party, you may have a viable legal claim.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case!
Our experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.