Can this tech prevent all lorry accidents?

SHAH ALAM - The recent surge in heavy vehicle accidents on highways, particularly highlighted by the recent incident at Simpang Pulai, has captured significant public attention.

This devastating accident involved a sugar-laden trailer colliding with six other vehicles on the North-South Highway, resulting in tragic fatalities.

In the domain of transportation safety, technology emerges as a crucial ally in both preventing and resolving heavy vehicle-related accidents.

From cutting-edge monitoring systems to sophisticated data analytics, here are seven ways technology is reshaping the landscape of lorry accidents while concurrently striving to diminish the occurrence of crashes on our roads:

1. Telematics and GPS Tracking: Telematics systems installed in lorries offer real-time data on vehicle location, speed, and driver behavior, crucial for reconstructing accidents and determining liability.
2. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs monitor and record a driver's hours of service, ensuring compliance with regulations aimed at preventing driver fatigue, a major cause of lorry accidents.
3. Collision Avoidance Systems: Equipped with sensors and cameras, these systems detect imminent collisions and can automatically apply brakes or provide warnings, significantly reducing rear-end collisions.
4. Dashcams and Onboard Cameras: Dashcams and interior cameras provide valuable evidence in accident investigations, capturing events leading up to a crash and driver behavior.
5. Black Box Recorders: Similar to those in airplanes, black box recorders in lorries collect data on vehicle performance and driver actions before, during, and after accidents, aiding in understanding the sequence of events.
6. Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC systems prevent rollovers and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels, especially in hazardous driving conditions.
7. Big Data Analytics: By analysing vast amounts of data from various sources, including vehicles and traffic patterns, predictive analytics can identify high-risk areas and behaviors, allowing for targeted interventions and preventive measures.

How can telematics help prevent lorry accidents?

Telematics, which integrates telecommunications and informatics, has emerged as a powerful tool in preventing lorry accidents and enhancing overall road safety.

Here's how telematics aids in preventing lorry accidents:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Telematics systems offer real-time monitoring of various aspects of a lorry's operation, including speed, acceleration, braking, and location. Fleet managers can identify unsafe driving behaviors promptly and intervene to prevent accidents.
• Driver Behavior Analysis: Telematics systems collect data on driver behavior, such as harsh braking, sharp turns, and excessive speeding.
• Predictive Maintenance: By proactively addressing maintenance needs, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, telematics helps prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures.
• Route Optimisation: Telematics systems utilise GPS technology to optimise lorry routes based on factors like traffic congestion, weather conditions, and road closures, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Collision Avoidance Systems: Advanced telematics systems integrate collision avoidance technology, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, to detect potential collisions and prevent accidents.