Road Safety. How Artificial Intelligence Helps Truck Drivers

24 January, 2025

In recent years, artificial intelligence has rapidly entered our lives, and the transportation industry is no exception. This is especially true for truck drivers, whose work requires maximum concentration and attention.
AI comes to the rescue, not only improving safety but also significantly easing the drivers' work. Let's take a closer look at which technologies are changing the rules of the road.
  • 1
    Real-Time Road Situation Analysis
    One of the major achievements of AI in the field of safety is systems that can analyze the road situation in real time. Cameras and sensors installed on trucks constantly monitor surrounding traffic, while AI analyzes the collected data and predicts potential threats.

    For example, Volvo Trucks has implemented the Volvo Active Driver Assist system, which helps the driver assess the road situation and warns them of possible collisions, using data from sensors and cameras. The driver receives alerts about the movement of other vehicles, and the system can activate automatic braking if a collision threat is detected.

    According to the European Commission, the introduction of collision warning systems has reduced the number of accidents by 30-40% in countries where they are actively used.
  • 2
    Automatic Braking
    AI-based automatic braking systems can be a real lifesaver in emergency situations. If the driver fails to react to an emerging threat, such as a car suddenly pulling out at an intersection or a pedestrian running into the road, the system can activate the brakes and stop the truck on its own. 

    In 2020, Daimler Trucks introduced the Active Brake Assist 5 system, which uses AI to recognize pedestrians and objects on the road. In the event of a collision risk, the system can not only warn the driver but also apply the brakes autonomously, preventing or mitigating the consequences of the accident.
  • 3
    Fatigue Detection and Route Deviations
    Drowsiness at the wheel is one of the main causes of road accidents. AI helps not only ensure safety but also look after the driver's health. Modern systems use cameras and sensors to monitor the driver's facial expressions, movements, and blinking frequency to warn of signs of fatigue in a timely manner. 

    Scania has implemented the Driver Support system, which uses sensors and cameras to monitor the driver's condition and behavior on the road. If signs of fatigue are detected, the system will alert the driver to take a break.
  • 4
    Next-Generation Navigation Systems
    One of the key aspects of safety is effective navigation. AI is actively used to optimize routes, helping truck drivers avoid not only traffic jams but also potentially dangerous road sections (e.g., with poor road surfaces or high accident rates).

    An example of such technologies can be found at Tesla, where a system was implemented to help choose optimal routes based on real-time road situation data. This system analyzes traffic, weather conditions, and other external factors to minimize risks for the driver.
  • 5
    Smart Maneuvering Assistance Systems
    Trucks often face difficulties when maneuvering in tight spaces: parking, turning, or entering narrow alleys. In such situations, modern technologies can greatly simplify the task.

    For example, MAN Truck & Bus developed the Truck Parking Assistance system, which helps the driver park the truck safely and accurately, using cameras and sensors to monitor the surrounding environment. The system can suggest optimal actions and warn about potential obstacles.

    According to European Road Safety Data, parking assistance systems have reduced parking-related accidents by 25%.
AI technologies already play a significant role in improving road safety for drivers. Today, drivers can rely on "smart" technologies to focus on what matters most—safe and efficient cargo delivery.
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