Truck Accident
Greg
Jan 29, 2025

As artificial intelligence and technology continues to advance, the concept of using automated semi trucks is becoming more and more a reality. Autonomous truck driving is already being tested on US highways and several companies are working on developing and improving semi truck automation. 

Autonomous trucks use sensors, cameras, GPS satellites, and machine learning to drive without human operators. Selfdriving autonomous trucking is well on its way to being the next big thing in logistics. But what does that mean for the industry and those injured in an autonomous vehicle crash? A Philadelphia Truck Accident Lawyer offers insights into the pros and cons of trucking with AI as the driver. 

Pros of Autonomous Trucking

Some positives of autonomous trucking are enhanced safety, increased efficiency, fuel efficiency, addressing the driver shortage issue, and traffic optimization. 

  • Enhanced Safety: Improving safety is one of the potential benefits of autonomous trucks. Traffic accidents with semis are often devastating. Through the use of AI, driver fatigue, negligence, and errors are effectively eliminated. Moreover, autonomous vehicles may have better reaction times and reduce the risk of crashes through features like autonomous emergency braking.
  • Increased Efficiency: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes various rules on truck drivers. Federal Trucking Regulations like Hours of Service can reduce the efficiency of truck drivers, causing delays in the transportation of goods. Presumably self-driving trucks would not be held to these same standards and regulations.
    This could be especially beneficial for long-haul trucking, reducing the time it takes for freight to be transported across the country. Moreover, this could result in cost reduction for shippers, receivers, and consumers.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Autonomous vehicles may also be more fuel efficient than trucks with human drivers. Fuel efficiency is possible because AI can reduce unnecessary braking, accelerating, and idling. The outcome saves trucking companies money on fuel and reduces emissions. 
  • Addressing Driver Shortage: Almost three-quarters of all of America’s goods are moved by large trucks. Self-driving semi trucks may be able to address the driver shortage. Without a sufficient number of drivers, America could experience a serious issue with freight transportation. 
  • Traffic Optimization: Traffic optimization is crucial for both city driving and highway driving. Optimization reduces the chances of collisions and emissions. As mentioned previously, autonomous vehicles are less likely to brake, accelerate, or idle unnecessarily. This means that issues like traffic jams are less likely to occur. 

Cons of Autonomous Trucking

Some negatives of autonomous trucking are job displacement, technological limitations, security and cyber threats, regulatory and legal challenges, and public acceptance of the autonomous movement. 

  • Job Displacement: One of the most important ethical considerations of autonomous trucking is job displacement. At this stage of development, employment impact is unknown, but there is a good chance that it could reduce workforce diversity and leave truckers unemployed. 
  • Technological Limitations: Technology development for autonomous semis is still in its infancy. Sensors, radar, cameras, and other technologies may not fully function in bad weather conditions or low visibility situations. Moreover, AI may not be able to anticipate or respond to complex situations. In other words, machine learning does not have the same decision-making capacity and experience as humans.
  • Security and Cyber Threats: Like any computer, autonomous systems are at a risk of cyberattacks. It is possible that someone could hack into an autonomous truck’s system and take control of the vehicle. Security risks like terrorist attacks are a genuine concern when discussing the operation of a fully automated 80,000 pound vehicle. 
  • Regulatory and Legal Challenges: Trucking is a highly regulated industry. To legally operate on the roads, trucks must be in operating order and compliance with both federal and state regulations. Truck drivers must also comply with these standards.
    How autonomous trucks will be regulated at a federal and state level will be crucial. Patchwork regulations may make it challenging to use autonomous vehicles in interstate commerce, particularly as some states embrace and others shy away from new technologies.
    After a crash with an autonomous truck, determining who may be responsible could also become challenging. The level of autonomy and the companies involved may make proving negligence difficult. A Personal Injury Lawyer can provide further guidance on these liability questions.
  • Public Acceptance: Like any new technological advancement, the public may be hesitant to embrace the change. Ethical and moral concerns about replacing the human workforce combined with safety concerns and distrust for artificial intelligence may make the switch to autonomous trucking all the more challenging.

Contact The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin for Legal Help After a Truck Accident

At The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, our experienced truck accident attorneys stay abreast of legal trends and technological advancements. We know that by keeping knowledgeable, we can help our clients injured in a large truck crash.

Our lawyers are skilled at handling Logo Liability in Trucking Accident cases and pursuing all negligent parties to secure fair compensation for victims. Call us today 215-799-9990 to schedule your free consultation.

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