Safety for Truck Drivers Enhanced by Automated Inspection System

Automated inspection systems using infrared screening technology can identify trucks with dangerous brake problems and remove them from harm’s way before endangering their drivers or others on the highway. A one-year study in four states also demonstrated more appropriate selection of vehicles for inspections, which can lead to timesavings for safe carriers.

Four states (Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee) participated in a year-long test to evaluate the performance of infrared brake screening used to inspect commercial motor vehicles for brake problems. The technology used infrared cameras housed in mobile vans to monitor commercial traffic entering highway weigh stations. These cameras detected temperature variations in wheel and brake components as heat friction was generated from brake applications. Normal brake function produced white “hot” areas on infrared images, and non-functional brakes produce dark “cold” images.

330 of the vehicles screened by the system were subject to a follow-up safety inspection. 84% of vehicles selected for inspection had some form of brake impairment, contrasted with 34% under ordinary inspection selection procedures.

See the ITS Benefits Database entry on this study for more information.

Past "Benefit of the Month" summaries are also available.

Last Modified: 08/27/2003