Technology is a wonderful thing. At the same
time, it does have its limits, as evidenced by a truck
driver in Wisconsin who got his 16-ton rig stuck on a footbridge after
allegedly being led astray by his GPS device. Fortunately, there were no
injuries or reports of substantial damage due to the incident, which occurred
on November 11 (2014) in Milwaukee.
Official news reports say the 53-year-old truck
driver from Indiana drove his rig across a pedestrian bridge and onto a walking
path before being stopped at the entrance of a second bridge by concrete
barriers. In order to get to the first bridge he had to traverse several
service roads and gravel roadways. Along the way, he damaged several trees, railings,
and cosmetic portions of both bridges. Structurally however, the bridges
remained sound.
When asked what happened, the driver said his GPS
device led him to take the route he chose. He was cited for reckless driving
and a failure to obey traffic signs. As for his rig, officials had to bring in
a crane because there was not enough space to safely back it out.
Technology and Carelessness
Truck drivers all over the U.S. use GPS devices
to help them find their way. It is important technology that has greatly
improved efficiency and productivity. However, there comes a point when a
driver must ignore GPS information and use common sense. Especially when it
comes to road signs.
We can laugh about what happened in Milwaukee
because there were no
serious injuries or damage. Nevertheless, the story does underscore the
fact that technology can make us careless. When we rely on technology as a
replacement for common sense, it can often lead us down the wrong road – both
literally and figuratively! In light of this, the trucking industry and
government policy makers should tread very lightly where technology is
concerned.
Treading lightly is especially important with
safety technologies. Where the GPS device is more a matter of convenience,
other types of equipment have everything to do with life and death. For
example, the trucking industry in Great Britain is now in the midst of a debate
over whether or not to fit trucks with technology designed to reduce collisions
between truck and cyclists. The equipment in question utilizes a series of
sensors and alarms intended to reduce accidents.
Here in the U.S., we are looking at technology
that would help prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. It involves a
set of cameras, facial recognition software and alarm systems that can monitor
whether or not a driver's eyes are open. An alarm sounds if they are closed for
over a specific amount of time.
In both cases, the technology has very valid uses
that could help to reduce accidents. Yet neither should be implemented without
addressing the drivers themselves. Think of it in terms of the arms race of the
1980s.
During this period in world history, the U.S. and
Soviet Union were continually increasing and upgrading warfare capabilities.
The idea was to never have to use the weapons they were developing by deterring
one another from instigating war. We should view some of these new driver
technologies the same way – they should be deployed in the hope that they will
never be needed. In order to achieve that goal, driver carelessness needs to be
addressed.
Ongoing Driver Training
One of the best ways to address driver
carelessness is through training. This includes the initial training needed to
acquire a CDL license as well as ongoing, remedial training at the fleet
level. It is the latter form of training that is likely to have the most
positive effect.
Human nature is such that we tend to be careless
in our routine activities if not constantly reminded of the need to stay
focused. This is true whether you are talking about a truck driver or someone
working at a manufacturing line. So constant reminders through remedial
training help to keep drivers focused on how to perform their duties safely.
This kind of training can be effective even if it amounts to just a monthly
safety meeting called to remind drivers of best practices.
In the case of the Milwaukee driver, the
substantial fines he faces will likely be a sufficient deterrent to prevent him
from making the same mistake. However, as an industry, let us work toward
preventing carelessness before things like this happen.
Sources:
2. FOX59 - http://fox59.com/2014/11/13/oops-gps-leads-indiana-truck-driver-onto-foot-bridge-in-wisconsin-park/
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