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Collision Avoidance Systems in Trucks
The safety concern posed by heavy-duty truck crashes in the United States is evidenced by 5,936 fatalities
in 2022, a 2% increase from 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [1].
In 2022, Class 8 Heavy-duty trucks accounted for nearly two-thirds of the over 6,100 Class 3-8 vehicles
involved in fatal crashes, with a 1.5% increase in Class 8 truck involvement compared to the previous
year [2]. This situation highlights the need for advanced safety measures in the trucking industry,
particularly the implementation and improvement of Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS). The survey
examines CAS's evolution, current state, and prospects in heavy-duty trucks. This research aims to
analyze Collision Avoidance Systems (CAS) in various heavy-duty vehicles, such as Freightliner and
Volvo trucks, and extend to other heavy-duty trucks. The investigation delves into multiple active safety
systems employed by these manufacturers, such as Detroit Assurance and IBCS, which provide Active
Brake Assist with initial warning and full braking capabilities, Active Lane Assist 2 (ALA2), and
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) for multi-lane traffic and pedestrian detection, exploring their
advantages and disadvantages. Particular attention is given to key aspects of CAS, including Crash
Warning, Pedestrian Detection, and Active Braking. The research analyzes the underlying technologies
such as radar, LiDAR, and computer vision, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of each. Recent
optimizations in sensor technology will be examined, noting that Freightliner's latest model utilizes five
radars and high-definition cameras, while Volvo combines radar, LiDAR, and AI vision systems. These
advancements have led to more accurate object detection and faster response times in critical situations. A
comparative analysis will be conducted between the CAS techniques employed in different heavy-duty
trucks, starting with Freightliner and Volvo and expanding to other manufacturers. The study will also
consider the cost implications of current safety systems and techniques and estimated costs for future
implementations. Additionally, the study will discuss potential future advancements in CAS technology.
Despite significant progress in CAS, challenges persist, particularly concerning sensor limitations, driver
reliance, and cost barriers. Identifying solutions to these existing problems and exploring advancements
could enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of current CAS. Equipping crash-avoidance technology on
large commercial vehicles can prevent up to 63,000 truck-related accidents annually, as underlined by the
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety [3]. By comprehensively analyzing current CAS technologies, their
limitations, and potential future developments, this research seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to
reduce truck-related accidents and improve overall road safety.
References:
[1] U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (July 2024).
2022 Data (Report No. DOT HS 813 588). National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
[2] LandLine Media. (2024, April 3). Traffic fatalities down overall, but crashes involving large trucks up.
Land Line Magazine.
[3] AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. (September 2017). Automatic Emergency Braking Systems:
Leveraging Large-Truck Technology and Engineering to Realize Safety Gains.
