Survey Says Truck Fleets Using New Safety Features Fleet Advantage has announced the results of its latest fleet industry benchmarking survey showing the impact new safety technologies have had on transportation fleets, how many fleets are still driving older-model trucks, and the leading reasons motivating upgrade decisions. The survey also shows the continued low demand for electric and autonomous trucks. Fleets benefit from newer safety features According to the benchmark survey, 71 percent of transportation fleets have implemented blind spot mirrors as advanced safety features, while 66 percent have implemented front and rear disc brakes. The survey also showed that 11 percent of transportation fleets estimate they have saved more than $1 million in crash avoidance by upgrading to newer trucks with advanced safety features. These types of safety technologies have led to safer roads for drivers, passengers and other motorists, and have lowered accident costs. This is especially important since trucking fatalities recently reached the highest level in the past 30 years, with the average cost of each heavy-duty truck crash reaching $17.5 million, according to truckloadindexes.com data. As fleets begin to realize these benefits, additional statistics prove new safety technology aided in roadway safety, reduced accidents and improved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) scores. Sixty-one percent have implemented forward-facing cameras, and 53 percent implemented lane departure warning systems. While forward-facing cameras may not specifically prevent an accident from happening, this technology is helping to lower the overall costs involved in accidents and litigation. A University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study found that car drivers were assigned contributing factors in 81 percent of crashes involving large trucks, versus only 27 percent for professional drivers. Forward-facing cameras help offer critical evidence that protects truck drivers in these instances. Maintenance, repair drive replacement The bottom line continues to drive