IST Statement on IIHS Report on Effectiveness of Front Crash Prevention Systems in Reducing Large Truck Crash Rates

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released the results of a study, Effectiveness of front crash prevention systems in reducing large truck crash rates, that confirm the effectiveness of forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems in large trucks.

Key Findings:

  • ·Trucks equipped with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) had 22 percent fewer crashes overall and 44 percent fewer rear-end crashes.

  • Trucks with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) had 12 percent fewer crashes than trucks without either technology and experienced a 41 percent reduction in rear-end crashes.

  • Trucks equipped with FCW or AEB that were involved in rear-end crashes had their speeds reduced by half between a trigger and time of impact.

The IIHS analyzed data on crashes per vehicle miles traveled from 62 carriers operating class 8 trucks (weighing at least 33,000 pounds) on limited access-highways during 2017-2019.

The Institute for Safer Trucking applauds the many motor carriers who voluntarily equip their trucks with these crash-reducing technologies. Unfortunately, truck crash deaths and injuries have continued to climb over the past decade despite these companies’ efforts. To address this problem the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should mandate these technologies in new class 7 and 8 trucks and require their use while operating such vehicles. The agency and motor carriers should also take steps to help ensure that drivers are educated and trained about how FCW and AEB can assist them on the road.

From ISTHarry Adlerautomatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, truck accident, truck crash, truck safety, safer trucking