Truck accidents are some of the deadliest on the Mississippi highways. FindLaw confirms that commercial truck accidents tend to be worse than accidents involving passenger-vehicles. This is because of the size differences and the weight these trucks carry. Research shows that truck drivers are aware of this and actually drive more carefully on the road than other drivers, but they still account for thousands of fatalities every year in America.
Accidents are not the only problems plaguing the truck driving industry. They also struggle to hire enough drivers to keep up with consumer demand for more goods and faster deliveries. This puts extra pressure on current truck drivers, leading to more tired truck drivers on the road. One solution that automakers now propose is self-driving trucks.
According to Business Insider, automakers have been experimenting with the development of autonomous trucks. Mercedes-Benz made history in 2015 when it put a semi-autonomous big rig on a public road. Many people in tech and car manufacturing feel confident that self-driving trucks could become a reality within the next 10 years.
Before that manifests into reality, however, policymakers need to make changes to liability laws. No technology is perfect, so what happens if a truck strikes a pedestrian or another vehicle? Who would the injured parties sue? There is no truck driver, so do they sue the manufacturer or the company the truck works for? These are just some of the legal red tape automakers will need to overcome and prepare for if they truly want to get their self-driving trucks road-ready and road-welcome by 2029.
