Truck driving can be a dangerous job. About 13% of all traffic fatalities come from heavy trucks.

Furthermore, COVID-19 has added a lot of new challenges to the world of trucking. Whether you’re a truck driver or a fleet operator, things are different than they used to be.

Luckily, new safety technology is helping truck drivers and fleet operators become safer than ever. Continue reading below to see the best new technology that’s helping truck drivers and fleet operators stay safe.

SmartDrive

SmartDrive is a company that’s been pioneering video and sensor analytics for truckers and fleet operators everywhere. How do these metrics help keep truckers safer and make fleet operators jobs easier?

Metrics and Self-Management

For starters, onboard metrics are keeping track of all types of data—miles driven, speed, fuel consumption, and much more.

While that sounds like micromanaging, it’s actually helping drivers know where they need improvement. Fleet operators can look at the metrics and help coach drivers drive more safely in certain areas.

On top of that, drivers can also self-manage. The metrics can look at speed or know if a driver didn’t fully brake at a stop sign.

An app on the driver’s phone can automatically let them know about how they’re driving. In the past, there were only quarterly reports or sometimes no reports at all.

Now a driver can be aware of how they’re driving all the time, leading them to operate their truck much safer.

Video Feeds and GPS Monitoring

With the COVID-19 pandemic, video technology is becoming much more useful. Now, drivers can be trained in a cab without the trainer being physically present.

The trainer can access engine data and see multiple video feeds outside the truck and inside.

Video feeds are also able to help with specific coaching for fleet managers. Video and sensors automatically record risky driving and assess a driver.

A fleet manager can look over the data and see where a driver needs specific coaching or training.

Although GPS monitoring isn’t new, it can be much safer for drivers if it’s actively used. During the pandemic, many rest areas have been closed or completely full.

That means drivers are spending a lot of time parked on the highway or walking to a truck stop. Operators can let drivers know where a truck stop or rest area is open to keep them from stopping out on the road.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Another likely system is ADAS, which actively helps drivers perform their jobs. ADAS can help drivers stay in their lane, make micro-movements on the steering wheel, and use adaptive cruise control.

This system makes drivers much safer andmore comfortable by removing some of the small difficulties in driving.

The Future of Safety Technology

With the advance of video technology and sensors, the world of truck driving will be a much safer one. Many technologies are becoming available to make truck drivers’ jobs much more straightforward by removing some of the more mundane aspects.