Are Truck Collision Avoidance Systems Always Reliable?
By Attorney Michael L. Goldberg
Partner, Fried Goldberg, LLC
Collision avoidance systems are designed to prevent crashes, but when truck drivers aren’t trained properly, these systems can cause accidents instead of preventing them. While they help reduce rear-end collisions, they can also lead to sudden stops, putting motorists at risk.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how these systems can fail or be misused, leading to serious truck accidents. If you were injured in a crash involving a truck’s collision avoidance system, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys are here to help.
How Do Collision Avoidance Systems Work?
Most commercial trucks use a combination of cameras and radar to detect vehicles ahead. If the system determines that the truck is closing in too fast, it takes action in three stages:
- Warning Alert: The system issues an audible warning to get the truck driver’s attention.
- Partial Braking: If the driver doesn’t respond, the system applies the brakes at 50% capacity and vibrates the pedal.
- Full Emergency Braking: If a collision is still imminent, the system takes full control and applies the brakes at 100%.
At first glance, this technology seems like a major safety advancement, but without proper training, it can create dangerous situations that lead to catastrophic truck accidents.
The Problem With Collision Avoidance Systems in Trucks
Unlike passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers need significantly more stopping distance. Because of this, collision avoidance systems activate earlier, sometimes leading to unnecessary emergency stops.
Common Issues With These Systems Include:
- Truck drivers turning off or ignoring warnings: If a driver is frustrated by constant alerts, they may disable the audible warnings, removing a key safety feature.
- Overly sensitive braking: The system can misinterpret safe driving situations and apply emergency braking unnecessarily.
- Lack of training on overrides: If truck drivers don’t know how to override the system properly, they may not react in time to prevent a crash.
These issues can turn an advanced safety system into a liability, putting both truck drivers and other motorists at risk.
Case Example: Collision Avoidance System Leads to Crash
Fried Goldberg LLC recently handled a case where a truck’s collision avoidance system contributed to a serious crash.
A tractor-trailer was following another vehicle that suddenly slowed down to exit the highway. The truck’s collision avoidance system activated emergency braking even though the roadway ahead was clear. The truck driver tried to override the system by pressing the accelerator but didn’t press hard enough to disengage it.
As a result, the truck came to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. The driver behind the truck had no time to react and suffered catastrophic injuries in the crash.
A jury found the trucking company liable, ruling that the driver was not properly trained on how to override the system. This case highlights how technology alone isn’t enough—proper training is critical to prevent accidents.
What to Do if You’re Injured in a Truck Accident
If you were injured in a crash with a tractor-trailer, it’s important to determine whether a collision avoidance system played a role. These systems record critical data, including:
- The truck’s speed before and after braking.
- Whether the driver attempted to override the system.
- How quickly the truck stopped.
This data can be key evidence in proving fault in your case.
Get Legal Help From the Nation’s Leading Truck Accident Law Firm
At Fried Goldberg LLC, truck accidents aren’t just one of our practice areas—they’re our primary focus. With decades of experience and a track record of securing millions for truck accident victims, our firm has built a national reputation for taking on the biggest trucking companies and winning.
We understand the nuances of trucking technology, including collision avoidance systems, and we work with industry experts to uncover critical evidence that proves fault. Whether it’s electronic control module (ECM) data, driver training records, or company safety policies, we leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice for our clients.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash, don’t go up against a trucking company alone. Put the nation’s leading truck accident attorneys on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are based in Atlanta, Georgia, and serve clients across the nation.
“Michael Goldberg and his team worked hard and diligent on my friend’s case. We would recommend Michael Goldberg and his team to anyone who is in need of a knowledgeable and caring lawyer and seeking a great outcome. My friend was very satisfied with the handling of his case. Thank you, Michael Goldberg.”
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