Self Driving Trucks Scheduled to Roll Out Nationwide
According to a new report by McKinsey & Co., self-driving trucks are expected to roll out in several stages before a conversion to driverless vehicles takes place. A report released by the company in September 2018 indicated that profits in the trucking industry are expected to jump by 40 percent by 2030 because it will save that much in operating costs. As part of the process of conversion to self-driving trucks, indoor drones and collaborative robots will be working side-by-side with humans in logistics as trucks will be carrying heavier cargo.
Phase One
In converting to self-driving trucks, according to Insurance Journal, platooning will be conducted as the first phase. This is where two drivers will travel in tandem along the nation’s interstate highways. This initial phase is expected to be in operation until 2020 when the second part of phase one begins. Between 2022 and 2025, a single driver will be in the lead truck, with an unmanned truck following. These vehicles will operate only on interstate highways between truck stops. Drivers will still be expected to operate their vehicles on other types of roadways, which might lead to a truck accident in some cases.
Phase Two
Phase two, expected to operate from 2025 to 2027, will be one of constrained autonomy. This means that the self-driving trucks will be two or more in number with a driver along for areas of pickup and delivery. It is the driver’s responsibility to drop off the trucks at designated stops. The vehicles will be connected digitally through a radio frequency that is dedicated and by using automatic braking systems. Drivers will be used to navigating city streets, handling loading docks and parking lots.
Phase Three
Phase three is expected to be in place from 2027 and beyond. These will be truly self-driving trucks with no human involvement and will be in place on all the highways. Trucks will be driving both singly and in platoons of two or more vehicles. There will be no driver involvement by the time phase three rolls around. With a current shortage of 50,000 drivers, which is expected to triple by 2026 if new truckers cannot be lured to the industry, these new self-driving trucks may be the wave of the future.
Accidents with Self-Driving Trucks
If you or your loved one is injured in an accident involving an autonomous truck, you need an injury lawyer who is experienced in the legal technicalities of self-driving vehicles to help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Technology suppliers, the manufacturer and possibly the driver of the vehicle may be held liable for personal injury damages. An attorney with experience in these types of accidents can perform an investigation, including accident reconstruction and use expert witnesses, to build a strong case that will pay for your medical expenses, time away from work and the trauma you have experienced. To learn more about how a trucking company may be found responsible for an accident, watch this video.
Sacramento Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento self-driving car accident lawyer. Accidents with trucks are horrific due to their size and weight. Although self-driving trucks are driverless, the same principle applies. If you or a family member is injured through no fault of your own by a truck, autonomous or not, you will need the insight an attorney can provide. I have the experience and resources to help obtain the compensation you deserve. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or (800) 404-5400, nationwide. If it is easier for you, you can also contact me online on AutoAccident.com, the website I own and founded.
I’ve helped numerous residents of Sacramento and those in other areas of Northern California in all types of motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims and other serious injuries to be justly compensated for the financial damages they suffered.
I have garnered verdicts and settlements of more than $1 million for a client. Because of this, I was inducted into the Million Dollar Advocates, a nationwide forum of trial lawyers.
I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, an organization that promotes the top 1% of attorneys from around the nation who have demonstrated legal excellence.
When you are thinking about retaining an attorney, it is wise to check out their practice ahead of time. You can see what prior clients and some of my peers have had to say about mine and how I resolved previous cases on the following links:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/truck-commercial-vehicle-mercedes-3561413/
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