Big Rigs Go High Tech

pottercw writes "Trucking may not seem like a high-tech industry to the casual observer, but major carriers are starting to adopt an array of emerging technologies to combat rising fuel costs, tighter regulation and fierce competition. The technologies include systems that monitor and communicate vehicle conditions and performance, enhanced GPSs that keep tabs on tractors and trailers, and safety systems which issue warnings or even take action to help drivers avoid an accident — all working in real time. Computerworld has a cool mouseover diagram highlighting some of the gadgets we're beginning to see on high-tech trucks."

Comments

I'm a believer in the railroads.

[iminplaya]

I don't care for long haul trucking. Especially those damn double trailers. It's insane! Like most accidents the cause is the driver. Will all these gadgets keep him awake? Automated rail is the only way. I just cannot imagine riding your hog, and getting smacked by that goddamn retread coming apart in front of you. It's only a little bit better than some guy leaking his load of gravel on the interstate.

Re:I'm a believer in the railroads.

[Ethanol-fueled]

Parent a bit heavy-handed but I think the troll mod is unfair since the article romanticizes long-haul trucking.

Truckin' is still a dirty and unsafe business. BTW, the "retread" parent is referring to is the practice of dremelling new grooves into balding tires(which is legal if the tire was designed for it, but is often done unsafely and illegally, like much truck maintenance).