Blind spot detection, automated emergency braking/forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning technology are all evolving technologies that drivers must be up to date on for both safety and compliance purposes. Being familiar with these technologies is important for drivers new to the industry, drivers who have returned to the industry after a long break, and current drivers who must keep up with industry standards.
TIP: Ask your drivers which of these technologies they’re already familiar with to see what you need to focus on.
Blind spot detection (BSD)
If a vehicle is equipped with a BSD system, the driver may be alerted to a potential side collision while merging if the other vehicle is within about 10 feet of the cab of the vehicle. There are sensors on both sides of the vehicle.
A vehicle moving toward a driver’s blind spot or that is already in the blind spot should trigger a visual alert on the dash or in the mirror. When the turn signal is on, it provides a more urgent audible alert or a seat vibration to alert the driver if anything triggers the sensors on either side of the vehicle.
Note that this system is intended to assist drivers and doesn’t replace the need to frequently scan mirrors, especially when merging and during lane changes. This system should serve as an additional safety tool, but not as a replacement for a visual scan. Also note that BSD systems may not detect motorcycles or vehicles more than 10 feet away.
Remind drivers to always rely on their own scanning skills, regardless of whether they have BSD or not.
Automated emergency braking (AEB)/Forward collision warning (FCW)
AEB and FCW can detect forward hazards and alert the driver to their presence. If needed, the AEB will automatically brake to prevent a crash. If the vehicle has AEB, FCW, or a similarly named system, the sensors on the system may not recognize non-vehicle-related hazards such as pedestrians, animals, traffic cones, or large debris.
Even if the driver has AEB or FCW, their undivided attention to driving is still required at all times.
TIP: Invite your more experienced drivers to talk about how they use these technologies and how they work for them.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
If the vehicle is equipped with ACC, or a similarly named system, it will match the speed of the vehicle in front and maintain about a 3-second following distance. If the system provides a choice, drivers should set the ACC to the greatest following distance.
Drivers should never use cruise control, including ACC, when the road conditions involve heavy traffic, an urban area, or adverse weather such as rain, ice, snow, or wind.
It’s important that drivers always focus on driving and don’t rely completely on these systems.
Lane departure warning (LDW)
Lane keeping assist (LKA) or other lane centering systems, and LDW systems, use cameras to monitor the lane markings and will provide visual, audible, and/or vibrational alerts when the vehicle approaches or crosses lane markings. Note that these systems don’t activate if the turn signal is in use.
If the vehicle has an LKA system activated, the driver’s hands must be on the wheel, but the system uses automatic steering to correct the vehicle if it starts to exit the lane. If either LKA or LDW systems are frequently activating, the driver should find a safe place to park, as these warnings indicate that the driver may be fatigued.
If the vehicle is equipped with an LDW system, the driver may hear an alarm, feel a seat vibration, or see a warning when encroaching on the right or left edge of the lane. These systems rely on cameras and may be automatically disabled if visibility is diminished by snow, fog, heavy rain, bright sun, or other conditions. They may not activate if a lane isn’t clearly marked.
TIP: End the session with a question-and-answer segment to help fill any gaps.
Provided by J.J. Keller & Associates
To view the full monthly newsletter click here: Embracing New Technology in Trucking May 2026
