Improving safety in heavy-duty vehicles is a critical challenge for the transport industry and an essential component of corporate responsibility. Collisions involving large trucks often result in severe consequences, impacting public safety and business continuity.
This article reviews the current international landscape of truck-related incidents, highlights operational risks specific to heavy-duty vehicles, and introduces key technologies designed to mitigate these risks and support compliant, efficient operations.
Global landscape of heavy truck accidents
Truck-related road accidents continue to present serious challenges worldwide.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,936 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in the United States in 2022—representing a 2% increase over the previous year and a 49% rise over the past decade.
In India, excessively long working hours—frequently exceeding 15 to 20 hours daily—contribute to driver fatigue. Combined with overloading, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and substandard infrastructure, this situation leads to a high incidence of serious accidents. Indonesia faces similar challenges, particularly due to limited enforcement of safety standards and insufficient driver training.
In various African nations, key contributing factors include drowsy driving, limited night visibility, and maintenance-related deficiencies. For example, the Kenyan government has introduced a national road safety action plan for 2024–2028, setting a maximum daily driving limit of eight hours.
Across these regions, inadequate training programs and weak fleet supervision remain persistent issues. Addressing these problems requires both technological adoption and systemic improvements, including regulatory reform, infrastructure investment, and sustained driver education.
Key operational risks associated with heavy-duty trucks
Heavy-duty trucks feature structural and performance characteristics that differ substantially from standard passenger vehicles. In particular, they present unique hazards such as large blind spots and extended stopping distances. Understanding these specific traits is essential for maintaining safe and responsible driving practices.
Size and weight
Heavy-duty trucks often exceed 10 metric tons in weight and are significantly larger in dimension than passenger vehicles. These attributes increase momentum and the risk of tipping or lane deviation during turns if not managed carefully. Centrifugal forces on curves further increase this risk.
Operators must anticipate turns, reduce speed proactively, and utilize engine braking to maintain control and vehicle stability.
Blind spots
Due to their elevated driving position and vehicle length, heavy-duty trucks have substantial blind spots, particularly on the rear sides and immediately in front of the vehicle. These zones are not easily visible through standard mirrors.
To address this, professional drivers must rely on mirrors and camera systems to monitor surrounding areas. Thorough checks are essential during lane changes and at intersections to minimize collision risk.
Braking distance
Heavy-duty trucks require significantly longer distances to come to a complete stop due to their weight. The heavier the load, the longer the braking distance becomes—especially on wet roads or downhill gradients, where stopping performance is further compromised.
To ensure safety, drivers must maintain a sufficient following distance, begin deceleration well in advance, and make use of engine braking. Particularly in urban areas or on highways, anticipating changes in traffic flow and adjusting speed early is essential for safe driving.
Center of gravity
Maintaining vehicle balance during operation requires precise control, especially when navigating curves, inclines, or strong lateral winds. Even minor steering deviations can result in instability or rollover.
Vehicle height and bed configuration influence overall balance. Cargo placement significantly affects the center of gravity, and improper loading or excessive weight can compromise handling. Understanding these dynamics and consistently managing weight distribution are vital for operational safety.
Advanced safety technologies for commercial transport
Enhancing the safety of heavy-duty trucks requires the integration of advanced technologies. This section introduces key innovations that contribute to preventing accidents and supporting safer operations.
Lane departure warning system (LDWS)
This system uses forward-facing cameras to detect lane markings. When the vehicle unintentionally drifts without a turn signal, the driver is alerted through audio cues or steering wheel vibrations.
LDWS is especially effective in mitigating human errors such as drowsy driving, inattention, or microsleep episodes that often occur during extended driving hours. This driver-assistance technology is increasingly being adopted to improve safety on highways and long-haul routes, where the risk of such errors is elevated.
Advanced emergency braking system (AEBS)
AEBS continuously monitors the area ahead for potential hazards. If a collision risk is identified and the driver does not respond, the system engages the brakes automatically.
This function is highly effective in preventing rear-end collisions in both urban traffic and highway conditions. For heavy-duty vehicles with extended braking distances, AEBS provides crucial intervention to minimize impact severity.
Blind Spot Information System (BSIS)
The Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) uses sensors and cameras to detect vehicles or obstacles in areas that are difficult to see with standard mirrors—particularly along the sides and rear of heavy-duty trucks. If an object is detected in these zones, the system issues alerts to the driver. This technology is especially valuable during left turns or lane changes, where blind spots pose heightened collision risks.
By continuously monitoring the vehicle's surroundings through sensors and cameras, this system enhances driver visibility and spatial awareness—helping to prevent accidents during lane changes and turns where blind spots pose significant risk.
Driver monitoring system (DMS)
DMS uses cameras and biometric sensors to assess driver attentiveness by tracking eye movement, head position, and blinking patterns. Some advanced models also detect facial temperature changes or heart rate to identify fatigue or potential health issues.
This technology plays a vital role in enhancing road safety by providing real-time alerts when signs of driver fatigue or distraction—such as drowsiness or lapses in attention—are detected. It is especially effective during long-distance driving, where these issues are more likely to occur, and supports proactive accident prevention by identifying warning signs that may go unnoticed by drivers.
UD Trucks' commitment to enhanced steering stability
UD Trucks has developed UD Active Steering, an electronically controlled steering system that improves directional control while reducing driver fatigue during long-distance operation.
At low speeds, the system enables lighter steering. At higher speeds, it enhances straight-line stability by compensating for external forces such as wind or uneven roads. The system automatically corrects minor deviations, supporting smoother, safer travel.
By improving vehicle handling and reducing physical strain, UD Active Steering contributes significantly to road safety and driver comfort.
International safety practices
Many countries are enhancing regulatory frameworks and promoting safety technologies to reduce truck-related incidents. Below are two key examples:
Australia: regulatory enforcement and mandatory systems
Australia’s Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) mandates requirements for driving hours, vehicle inspection, and fleet management. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) oversees compliance and has introduced mandatory technologies.
From February 2025, all regulated trucks under the Australian Design Rules (ADR) must be equipped with AEBS, electronic stability control (ESC), and lane departure warning (LDW).
South Australia has implemented the Safe-T-Cam network, a system of surveillance cameras installed along major highways to monitor vehicle speed and driver rest compliance. The data collected is analyzed to identify violations, enabling enforcement authorities to take appropriate action. This approach supports adherence to mandatory break times and discourages unsafe driving practices, thereby contributing to accident prevention.
UAE: traffic controls and vehicle safety mandates
To reduce traffic congestion and the risk of collisions in urban areas, the UAE has implemented time-based restrictions on heavy truck traffic. In Dubai, for instance, a new regulation effective from January 2025 will prohibit trucks from traveling on Emirates Road between 17:30 and 20:00—peak traffic hours when interactions between heavy trucks and smaller vehicles present elevated safety risks.
The Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have also strengthened regulatory measures by enforcing limits on maximum gross vehicle weight and enhancing vehicle maintenance standards. These institutional efforts play a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures and improving overall road safety in urban areas.
Aligning technology and operational awareness
Improving safety in heavy-duty transport requires aligning technology adoption with operational discipline. Recognizing vehicle-specific hazards—such as visibility limitations, load-related instability, and extended braking distances—is essential for effective risk mitigation.
Strategic investment in safety technologies not only reduces incident-related costs but also improves operational efficiency and reinforces corporate reliability.
UD Trucks continues to advance transport safety through integrated solutions, including UD Active Steering, forward collision warning, lane keeping assistance (LKA), and driver status monitoring. These technologies support better awareness, enhance handling, and reduce fatigue-related incidents.
By combining advanced systems with best practices, the transport industry can create a safer and more efficient logistics environment.
