Safety Technologies - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Safety is at the heart of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) mission. Working together with the trucking industry, FMCSA envisions a future of smart technologies that support the expanding role of the trucking industry to safety, security, and efficiently transport the nation's goods and products.

FMCSA has developed a series of product guides to assist carriersri, dvers, fleet managers, and other interested individuals to learn more about available safety and security systems.

Decision Factors for Technology Choices

The following decision factors are critical for making, using, and buying technologies in the commercial motor vehicle industry;

• Return on Investment for the Purchaser: Sustains commercial success of technologies purchased and used by carriers.
• Initial Cost: Affects early deployment, since a high initial purchase cost makes it difficult for a carrier to raise the needed capital to buy technologies.
• Demonstrated Effectiveness to Improve Safety, Security, and Efficiency of Operations: Represents the major benefits that offset the costs of technologies.
• System Reliability and Maintainability: Provides the results and usability of technologies for carriers and manufacturers (original equipment manufacturers and vendors).
  
• Driver Acceptance: Ensures that drivers are receptive to technologies that are user-friendly and effective in improving safety and security.
• Market Image: Involves using state-of-the-art technologies to improve a carrier's image by designating a company as progressive and concerned about the safety and security of their drivers and loads.
• Market Demand: Depends on awareness of the technology along with acceptance and belief in its value, which is particularly important to manufacturers introducing a new product.
• In-cab Technology Interface Integration: Minimizes cost, distraction, and human errors while using the technology.
• Investment Required for Research and Development of New Technology: Includes concerns of original equipment manufacturers and vendors about the risks inherent with new developments.
  
• Liability: Influences carriers, drivers, and manufacturers, particularly relating to the data stored by certain technologies and its use.