Autonomous Vehicles Expanding Into Trucking Industry
In early 2021, a startup company called TuSimple announced that they were conducting test runs of their fleet of autonomous trucks throughout Arizona and Texas in partnership with UPS. Similar to other autonomous vehicles that are already popular around the world, these test runs require a licensed driver on board to act in case of emergencies, although the company is expecting these trucks to go completely autonomous (with no phantom driver) later in the year.
As the company continues to expand—a recent press release announced a new hub in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (their seventh location)—and other notable companies begin their own test runs (Tesla, Waymo) many concerns are rising about the safety measures taken to prevent truck accidents.
Should We Trust Self-Driving Technology?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledges that fully automated vehicles can significantly reduce crashes, as about 94% of collisions are caused by human error. Along with this, by the NHTSA's estimate, fully automated safety features and autopilot are in the next phase of vehicle safety, expecting widespread use by 2025.
However, it is also important to note that they encourage the person in the vehicle to stay alert and be prepared to take the wheel if need be. Since these autonomous vehicles are still relatively new to the market, the technology is in its infancy, and therefore drivers cannot be entirely reliant on it just yet.
San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney
The TuSimple hub in San Antonio opened in late 2020, and although there have been no reports of these trucks crashing as of late, motorists are encouraged to stay alert when they are on the roads. Regardless if you are involved in a collision with a self-driving truck or a standard freight carrier, you have a right to seek compensation for damages.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, call (210) 807-3178 or fill out this short form to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.