While navigation systems are becoming increasingly commonplace in the nation’s commercial vehicles, the impact that these devices have on driver behavior, decision making and safety is not fully understood, according to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry’s not-for-profit research organization.
Consequently, ATRI is seeking input from both commercial drivers and motor carriers through a brief online survey that will capture information on the attitudes of both groups toward navigation systems including perceived benefits and risks.
There is mounting anecdotal evidence that GPS navigation units designed for passenger vehicles are being blamed for large truck crashes such as “bridge strikes,” ATRI notes.
The results of the survey will provide further insight on the use of navigation systems and their impact in commercial trucking operations, as well as the impacts that other methods for providing directions to drivers might have on fleet safety and operations.
The research results will also provide an opportunity for the public sector to improve transportation operations and minimize infrastructure damage. Drivers and carriers are encouraged to complete the confidential survey, available on ATRI’s website at www.atri-online.org.
