When most people see a semi truck on the highway, the first feeling is often caution. After all, these trucks are big, heavy, and hard to miss. 

But did you know that semi trucks are involved in far fewer crashes than most people realize? That is because today’s trucks come equipped with high-tech safety systems that make them even safer to operate.

Big Trucks, Fewer Crashes Than Expected

Large trucks drive hundreds of billions of miles every year in the U.S. That alone might make it seem like they’re involved in most crashes. But the data says otherwise.

According to the National Safety Council:

• Large trucks made up 10% of all miles driven, but only 9% of fatal crashes
• The crash involvement rate for large trucks stayed steady at 35 per 100 million miles driven, a rate that has not increased in years
• Out of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, 78% were passenger vehicles, not trucks

It’s true that when a crash with a semi truck happens, it can be serious due to the size and weight of the vehicle. But compared to cars, motorcycles, and even light trucks, semi trucks are less likely to be the ones causing the crash.

How Safety Technology Is Making Trucks Even Safer

One major reason crash rates aren’t rising, despite more trucks on the road, is the growing use of advanced safety technology.

Modern semi trucks come with collision avoidance features that help prevent accidents in real time. These are not luxury features; they’re built-in safety tools used every day to keep roads safer for everyone. 

Here’s what these systems do, and why they matter:

Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking

Semi trucks often travel thousands of miles every week, many of them on highways with fast-moving traffic. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems use sensors to track the distance between the truck and the vehicle in front.

If a vehicle suddenly slows down or stops, the system warns the driver. If the driver doesn’t react fast enough, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash.

According to the NHTSA, AEB could help prevent more than 19,000 crashes and over 8,000 injuries every year.

Lane Departure Warning

It’s not just cars that drift between lanes, any vehicle can. Semi trucks are now equipped with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems that track the truck’s position and give alerts if the truck starts drifting without a turn signal.

This helps prevent sideswipes, head-on collisions, and single-vehicle lane departure crashes, which are often among the deadliest types of roadway accidents.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Large trucks have much bigger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Modern trucks now have blind spot detection systems that use radar or cameras to monitor these danger zones.

If another vehicle is riding alongside the trailer where the driver can’t see, the system gives an alert, helping the driver avoid turning or merging into an occupied lane.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Cruise control isn’t new, but adaptive cruise control is. This feature adjusts the truck’s speed automatically based on the speed of traffic ahead.

If the vehicle in front slows down, the system slows the truck to maintain a safe distance. Once traffic speeds up again, the truck does too. This reduces hard braking and keeps traffic flowing more smoothly.

Electronic Stability Control

This feature helps prevent rollovers and jackknifes, especially during sudden turns, wet roads, or quick stops. It works by braking individual wheels automatically to help the driver stay in control.

Why It’s Important

Most of the time, the general public only hears about semi trucks in the news when something goes wrong. But there’s another side of the story that gets missed: truck drivers are trained professionals operating machines loaded with advanced safety tech.

When these systems are used by semi trucks, accidents are more easily avoided, families make it home safely, and highways run more smoothly.

How Pride Transport Puts Safety First

At Pride Transport, safety is built into everything we do, from the way we train our drivers to the technology we install in every truck. It’s not just about meeting safety standards. It’s about going beyond them to protect everyone on the road.

Dedicated Safety Team

Our full-time safety professionals and CDL-certified instructors work directly with drivers to support safe habits and provide coaching when needed. We monitor safety around the clock and take a hands-on approach to keeping our fleet accident-free.

Advanced Equipment

Every truck in our fleet is equipped with the latest safety features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. We make sure our equipment stays current so our drivers have the best tools available.

Safety Technology We Use

• SmartDrive: Video-based system that monitors driving behavior and tracks unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives.
• Smith System: Proven driver training system that also integrates driver training with telematics, driver scoring metrics, and predictive risk analysis. 
• Detroit Assurance: Safety suite that communicates information to the truck's brakes, engine, and transmission in real-time to help mitigate collisions and enhance driver safety.
• Sentix: An enterprise learning management system, which helps the transportation and logistics industries create and assign training courses.

Thinking About Getting Behind the Wheel?

If you’ve ever considered getting behind the wheel of a semi truck, now is a better time than ever. At Pride Transport, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a promise and a commitment that we take seriously. We back our drivers with the latest safety tech, expert training, and real support on the road to ensure that they make it home to their families every day. 

Looking for a company that puts safety first and treats drivers with respect? Explore opportunities and apply today!