Commercial vehicles have undergone a massive transformation in recent years. With ELDs, telematics, and robust safety features ranging from lane departure warnings to autonomous vehicles, the truck drivers of today are much more tech-savvy than those of a decade ago. As artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in several industries, many are wondering how it can apply to trucking.
AI Trucking Assistants for Better Safety
Virtual assistants are not a new concept, but they could revolutionize safety in trucking. For example, truckers could gain insight into maintenance needs, uphold good communication, and reduce distractions by relying on a virtual assistant. All they would need to do is pose simple questions or statements to their AI assistants to receive immediate information. Some examples include:
- How long until I need to replace my oil?
- Text the warehouse my ETA.
- Alert me whenever the blue truck behind me falls into my blind spot again.
- Where is the nearest rest stop?
- How many miles to the nearest gas station?
The technology works both ways as well as the AI assistant would be able to keep the driver aware of his or her surroundings as well as call attention to safety concerns. Some examples include:
- Informing drivers of road closures or accidents ahead as well as providing alternate routes to save time
- Informing drivers of reduced speeds ahead to give them time to brake
- Informing drivers when their behaviors indicate they need to stop and rest such as excessive lane departures
While such virtual assistants will take time to implement, their abilities to reduce distractions, enhance productivity, and improve safety are undeniable. Every fleet manager knows safety is a huge priority and developing trucking technology has gone a long way toward reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Contact the experts at DriverCheck to learn more about the latest safety-enhancing trucking technology available on the market.
