Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for more than 40,000 deaths and nearly 2.5 million injuries annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The National Safety Council reports that each year, more than 1,200 of those fatalities and almost 70,000 injuries occur while workers are on the job. As a result, employers and employees need to practice safe driving habits and have motor vehicle safety training, policies, procedures and protocols in place to minimize the risk of an incident occurring. 

Emerging tech can be helpful for drivers

Many newer vehicles have innovative safety enhancements including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind-spot intervention. Additionally, advanced driver-assistance systems are often built into motor vehicles using sensors and cameras to monitor and alert drivers of their surroundings.

Another protective measure is adaptive cruise control, which aids drivers in maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of them by automatically adjusting or regulating speed. Forward collision warnings alert operators to imminent collisions. Similarly, rear cross-traffic alerts provide a warning of approaching traffic or pedestrians while in reverse. Cameras also help enhance the driver’s field of vision. Of course, it is still important for operators to be aware of their surroundings and to not solely rely on cameras and sensors.  

Vehicle construction has also improved driver safety. Improvements in design, materials and safety features have greatly reduced the amount of damage drivers can incur. Manufacturers have done so by incorporating crumple zones, reinforced structures and advanced airbag systems. 

Connectivity has made it easier for drivers to communicate with employers and first responders in the event of an emergency. This technology also provides operators with up-to-the-minute traffic information, hazard warnings and other safety-related information. Drivers no longer must rely on archaic GPS systems and hands-free phone technology. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can make vehicles proactive, capable of learning from a wide array of information and making real-time decisions.

Not all roses

However, there are some cons to innovation. Part and parcel with vehicle connectivity is distracted driving. Undoubtedly, technology enhances safety, but it also creates distractions. These most commonly occur in the form of operating entertainment systems, navigation apps and mobile phones. 

In an effort to avoid distractions, drivers should always keep their eyes on the road. If something other than driving demands attention, the operator should pull over, park and address the situation while stopped. 

It is important that drivers exercise caution when adjusting entertainment systems or using smartphones and navigation apps. Operators should never glance away from the road for more than two seconds at a time. And they should never, ever text while driving. Texting is growing exponentially as a main cause for traffic-­related incidents. Reading, typing or dialing on a phone while driving is extremely dangerous. If the message is important, pull over.

Employers and workers should also keep in mind that distracted driving isn’t limited to electronic equipment. The risk of getting in an accident can increase due to other factors, including eating and drinking nonalcoholic beverages while driving. 

Other pitfalls with technological advancement include cybersecurity threats, cost and ethics. Employers should be wary that connected vehicles are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could compromise safety systems and result in hackers taking control of a vehicle. Innovative vehicle safety measures can also be costly and not available as an option for some employers and drivers. The expense to replace older, less-equipped vehicles can make them prohibitive. 

There are ethical and moral debates about using some new technologies. This frequently comes up with self-driving and autonomous vehicles for accident responsibility or liability.

Finally, as a cautionary note, an over-reliance on technology and innovation can become its own hazard. Drivers may become overly reliant on safety systems, potentially leading to a decline in their driving skills and situational awareness. Remember, the wheel is in your hands.

Fanta Media / stock.adobe.com