August 2017 Archives
Effectiveness of crash avoidance systems
California residents might like to know about an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study that looked at collision avoidance systems. Researchers studied vehicles that had lane departure warning systems and blind spot alerts. They also examined accident data for more than 5,000 accidents in 2015. They focused on accidents that the warning systems were made to protect against.
3-car crash kills 1, injures 5
The California Highway Patrol reported that a car accident that occurred on Aug. 13 left one person dead and five with injuries. The crash occurred on Highway 88 and Waterloo Road in Stockton at about 2:30 p.m., resulting in the closing of the roadway for almost two hours.
Sleep apnea screening criteria for truckers will not change
California truck drivers will not be subject to a new set of screening criteria for sleep apnea. On August 4, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a notice that it would withdraw an initiative that dealt with these screening requirements. The agency had worked on the rule throughout 2016 in an effort to standardize criteria for sleep apnea screening. There were several meetings and listening sessions held throughout the country, and the agency also sought input from industry organizations.
Obscure factors that may cause truck accidents
California residents may believe that bog rig drivers are often careless while behind the wheel. While some may not be the best drivers in the country, many accidents between large trucks and passenger vehicles are caused by the operator of the smaller vehicle. Distracted driving and other forms of human error are likely to blame. However, there are other factors that may come into play when large trucks and smaller vehicles collide.
New device combats drowsy driving with shock
California residents might not know that drowsy driving kills up to 6,000 people every year. Though fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, not as much focus is given to this topic. One group thinks they have found a way to prevent drowsy driving.