The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a final rule which allows truck drivers to use windshield-mounted electronic safety devices. Prior to this new rule, which amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), there was a rule that prohibited placing anything in within the area of the windshield that is swept by the windshield wipers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). The new rule was included in Section 5301 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, and it allows CMV drivers to mount “vehicle safety technology” devices defined in the act. The rule became effective in October 2016.
Vehicle safety equipment that helps keep trucks safe on the road
The new devices that are now allowed to be mounted to the windshields of large commercial trucks and other CMVs include:
- Lane departure warning systems for trucks. Just like their counterparts in passenger vehicles, these devices warn the driver when their vehicle begins to veer out of its lane.
- Collision warning systems. These systems use a combination of radar and lasers and other sensors to detect a possible collision ahead and warn the driver. Some systems will charge the brakes and then begin to apply the automated braking system if the driver does not respond to the audible, visual and tactile warning signals.
- Speed management systems that govern how fast the truck can go
- Active or intelligent cruise control systems, which automatically adjust the speed of the vehicles to keep a safe following distance from the vehicles ahead on the roadway
The FAST Act bill also states that windshield-mounted devices and technologies that have a limited two-year exemption on the date that the bill is enacted will be considered to have met the equivalent safety standard for the initial exemption. (FMCSA rule)
New trucks are already being manufactured with many of these technologies included, but for the millions of CMVs that are already on the roads, this rule allows the drivers of existing vehicles to enjoy the benefits of the new technologies now. These safety devices will be useful for long-haul truck drivers whose work includes long hours on the road making them susceptible to fatigue, boredom and distractions.
An experienced McAlester truck accident attorney can be your best asset when you have been injured in a truck accident. At Stipe Law Firm, we investigate the cause of the crash and work to recover financial compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Oklahoma, you might be wondering about your legal options for recovering compensation. You would benefit from having a reliable personal injury lawyer by your side who will answer your questions and offer legal guidance. You are welcome to call (918) 505-7741 or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation with the Oklahoma truck accident lawyers you know and trust.