Road accidents and mishaps involving trucks and freighters lead to heavy casualties in both urban areas as well as highways. Usually when trucks have a trailer behind them, at least it takes 420 feet to stop from normal highway speed. When the time and distance is not adequate, rigs roll over anything that is in their paths.
Drivers of big trucks are among the most skilled drivers with a very high level of endurance and high standards of training, so it is not that accidents are always caused by negligence on their part as they cover thousands of miles every day. As per the latest data by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), casualties are decreasing over the years and with the advancements in automotive technology, it is not impossible to altogether eliminate them. If a car or any other vehicle suddenly changes lanes and comes right in front of the big truck, it is really difficult even for the most professional and experienced truck drivers to stop safely. This is where LiDAR plays an important role in further thwarting the possibility of an accident.
Most high-tech vehicles have started employing LiDAR or other sensors for looking at obstructions ahead and for an accurate forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Though the range and capacity of these sensors vary from according to the size of the objects, but they are more efficient and reliable than human drivers. Application of LiDAR sensors is not only limited to detecting hurdles or roadblocks ahead, but it also provides blind spot monitoring, lane changing assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
Heavy Truck companies have also recognized the potential of LiDAR in trucking for making highways safer than ever.
Velodyne is among the LiDAR companies that are working with many truck companies. Another major advantage of LiDAR in trucking is that unlike the normal human eye or a camera, it provides a comprehensive 360-degree view for more than a thousand feet.
Also Read: Do you know how many types of LiDAR are there?
Velodyne’s Lidar technology for trucking, for instance, uses infrared lasers, which work at night or in low-light situations and can even see through fog and rain.
In a camera, there is a limit of focus and high resolution. But in a LiDAR, we can increase power to get the desired resolution.
LiDAR any day scores over cameras and others sensors when it comes to measuring speed, distance and calculating size of the object ahead. In heavy trucks, LiDAR is usually mounted at an elevation that provides a complete bird’s eye view of the road.
Due to its capacity, LiDAR can measure physical distance with five, six cars ahead on the road ahead on the road. This not only saves time but also provides accurate info.
LiDAR measures distance using reflection and so in advance it can measure the distance without relying on brake lights when the car is just ahead. Most accidents are caused on highways because of low stopping distance and with LiDAR this is limited totally.
Despite all of its benefits one reason that has slowed the pace of LiDAR adoption in trucks is the cost factor. Currently, LiDAR systems for trucks are costly but a lot of companies are working on mass popularization of the technology that will substantially bring down costs and prompt more trucking companies to adopt the technology.
Also Read: 5 ways LiDAR is transforming the world before our eyes
