#United States #Texas #Geotab #Texas A&M #Truck Safety

Enhancing Truck Safety on U.S. Highways

In a collaborative effort, Altitude by Geotab has joined forces with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) to spearhead a pivotal project sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This initiative is focused on improving truck safety across U.S. highways through the utilization of aggregate telematics data. With the alarming statistics surrounding truck accidents, which reportedly led to over 29,000 casualties in just the first nine months of 2024, this initiative comes at a critical time.

The scope of this project revolves around identifying high-risk roadway segments that pose significant dangers to truck drivers and other highway users. By harnessing TTI's extensive expertise in transportation research alongside Geotab's advanced and aggregated commercial truck telematics data, the collaboration aims to create actionable insights that can mitigate risks associated with heavy vehicle operations on highways. Nate Veeh, Associate Vice President of Business Development at Altitude by Geotab, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it is a significant step towards harnessing data to enhance roadway safety effectively.

The Importance of Data in Road Safety

Truck accidents contribute significantly to the overall accident statistics on U.S. roadways. With approximately 168,320 truck-related crashes reported in 2022, and projections indicating that one in three long-haul truck drivers may experience a severe accident during their careers, the financial and societal implications are profound. Accidents not only lead to tragic losses but also impose significant financial burdens on trucking companies, with average settlements hovering around $400,000.

In a bid to combat these issues, Altitude's telematics data will allow TTI to conduct thorough analyses regarding crash hazards, traffic flow, and environmental factors that contribute to roadway risks. This integral data will enable the identification of problem areas, track traffic patterns, and evaluate the influences of road design on safety outcomes. The ultimate goal is to equip transportation agencies and industry stakeholders with the information necessary to implement effective interventions that can reduce accidents and promote safer freight mobility nationwide.

TTI's commitment to this groundbreaking initiative comes from a place of deep-rooted expertise. According to Jack Kong, TTI Assistant Research Scientist, the integration of Geotab's innovative telematics solutions with their research capabilities aims to provide invaluable insights into the dynamics of high-risk locations on U.S. highways. This synergy aims to support FHWA's overarching mission to maintain a seamless flow of freight while prioritizing safety across the transportation infrastructure.

Long-term Impact of the Initiative

As this collaboration commences, its implications extend beyond immediate safety improvements. By identifying and addressing hazardous segments on the highways, the project's long-term benefits could encompass enhanced efficiency in freight movement, which is vital for the U.S. economy. Improved road safety measures will not only safeguard drivers and the general public but will likely foster more reliable logistics operations, reducing delays and the potential for accidents that disrupt transportation chains.

For those interested in learning more about this ambitious initiative, further information is available on Altitude's official page at altitude.geotab.com. Here, stakeholders can stay informed about the progress and findings as they unfold.

About Altitude by Geotab

Altitude by Geotab is recognized as a pioneer in providing advanced mobility insights across public and commercial sectors throughout North America. The firm's headquarters are located in Oakville, Ontario, and it prides itself on delivering high-quality data analytics to inform better decision-making in transportation planning and management. Altitude by Geotab is committed to ensuring data confidentiality and driving more effective and sustainable mobility solutions.

About Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)

TTI has been addressing complex transportation challenges for over 70 years, offering a wealth of knowledge across a variety of fields integral to the ongoing development and safety of transportation systems. As part of The Texas A&M University System, TTI is recognized for delivering innovative solutions and research-based strategies to facilitate informed decision-making within transportation networks across the state and beyond.