Private vehicles have been the testers of technology for years. Different models of SUVs, sedans, coupes, and trucks from all over the world have recently adopted a wide set of cameras and monitors as the latest safety feature. With overall widespread success, it is no surprise that utility vans and soon-to-be semi-trucks will start adopting the same technology as well. If you thought the switch from a gear shift to an automatic gearbox was big, wait till you tell drivers about the replacement for mirrors.
The switch from a manual gearbox to an automatic gearbox faced mixed reviews and reactions when it initially happened. Some were totally warranted while others were just finding a reason to dislike a change that could help a large portion of drivers, especially younger ones. As expected, the rumblings of more front, rear, and side-view cameras on tractor-trailers have met some disgust in the trucking community. Some of the resistance is due to the fact that people have been driving with mirrors since the dawn of the automotive industry. Why switch? Others simply don’t know enough about the cameras and monitors without test driving them. Our Michigan semi-truck tire repair experts had a discussion regarding the major talking points of mirrors and the new technology coming in.
Members of the trucking industry are saying that a major concern about digital cameras and monitors is how durable they are and what happens if they break down during a trip. This is a very legitimate concern. We offer this, however. How many stories have you heard of that detail a left or right mirror breaking off because a fellow driver or trucker has gotten too close on a tight road? They are out there. In some places such as the Susquehanna Bridge in Pennsylvania, it happened so frequently they had to widen the bridge.
These cameras and monitors have built-in fail-safes. For example, if a monitor stops working, it will go black rather than be stuck on a frozen image. All monitors and cameras are independent of each other as well. You will never run into the issue of all going down simultaneously. The chances of this happening, are very slim as well. Private vehicles have housed cameras and monitors since around 2015 on a widespread scale. Very few incidents have been reported that are within the same volume as mirror accidents. The worry about failure is the same for both old and new technology.
The idea of more distractions on the road was another major concern that came up frequently. A lot of test drivers expressed some concern as well but only had the opportunity to drive these semi trucks for a short period of time. Test drivers who drove the vehicles a lot longer quickly got used to the placement of the monitors. The only two monitors that will be constantly visible are the left and right monitors whereas the front and rear are flip-down monitors. The positioning alongside the A-pillars is to mirror where traditional mirrors would rest. Currently, there are no regulations regarding monitors or cameras in terms of safety. This could be a hot topic to watch for the future of trucking.
If you find yourself needing repairs 24/7/365 in Michigan give me a call. (810) 875-1535 I also provide on site construction equipment repair and I can carry a huge inventory of major semi truck and trailer parts and tire’s. www.ttmobilerepair.com
