Each June, the National Safety Council leads National Safety Month, an annual campaign focused on preventing injury and saving lives across all environments. Throughout the month, a different safety topic is highlighted each week to raise awareness and drive action. This week, the spotlight is on roadway safety, a critical theme for truck drivers operating in dynamic, high-risk environments.
In recognition of this, we’re exploring how AI-powered safety systems are helping fleets operate smarter, respond faster, and reduce risk on every route.
The Rising Risk to Commercial Vehicle Safety
Fleet operations are more complex than ever. Large vehicles are expected to operate in spaces that were never designed for their size, such as residential neighborhoods, crowded driveways, school zones, and narrow alleys. These environments are not only physically restrictive but also shared with vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, individuals in wheelchairs, and children.
According to the National Safety Council, in 2023 alone, large trucks were involved in over 114,000 injury-related crashes, with 5,472 fatalities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also identified distraction and inattention as the second most common driver-related factor in fatal large truck crashes in 2021.
These figures make one thing clear: conventional safety tools like mirrors and basic sensors are no longer enough. Today’s fleets need AI-powered safety systems that actively detect risks, alert drivers in real-time, and provide actionable data to prevent collisions before they happen.
How AI Enables Safer Vehicle Operations
AI-powered safety systems are essential to modern commercial vehicle operations. Acting as real-time assistants, they help drivers stay alert, aware, and ready to respond when it matters most.
The following benefits illustrate how AI improves commercial vehicle safety, from eliminating blind spots and improving driver reaction time to enabling data-driven decision making.
1. Eliminate Blind Spots with AI Camera Detection
Traditional mirrors and backup cameras are helpful but limited. AI vision systems combine multiple cameras to create a full view around the vehicle. This means blind spots are minimized, and vulnerable road users or nearby vehicles are detected much earlier, whether the large vehicle is navigating tight spaces or operating in busy environments.
2. Improve Reaction Time with Real-Time Alerts
Inside the cab, drivers receive real-time alerts that help them react faster to potential hazards. When someone or something enters a detection zone, the safety system provides a clear prompt so drivers can take action with confidence. The right alert at the right moment can be the difference between a close call and a serious incident.
3. Gain Actionable Insights with Telematics Integration
When AI vision integrates with telematics systems, it transforms raw data into actionable insights. Real-time diagnostics, near-miss data, and video footage help safety managers make data-driven decisions every day, supporting a culture of continuous improvement. Over time, this strengthens long-term safety practices and makes driver training more focused and effective.
VIA Mobile360: Intelligent Fleet Solutions and Commercial Vehicle Safety
Our NIOSH award-winning safety solution improves safety and efficiency across commercial vehicles operations. Our system uses advanced AI cameras to deliver real-time collision warnings and help drivers stay focused behind the wheel.
1. Gain Full Visibility with AI Detection
VIA Mobile360 Safety Solution supports up to six IP69K-rated HD cameras, built for durability in all weather conditions. This setup provides drivers with complete situational awareness and minimizes blind spots through 360° Surround View.
Our AI detection system detects not only nearby vehicles but also vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, children, and wheelchair users. This advanced visibility helps prevent common collisions such as side-swipes and rear-end collisions – protecting both drivers and vulnerable road users.
2. Boost Reaction Time with Precise Alerts
Our visual alert system features an on-screen Blue Box that highlights the imminent threats, reducing cognitive load and giving drivers more time to react with an intuitive interface. Most importantly, both visual and audio alerts are intelligently triggered based on the vehicle’s gear and direction, reducing unnecessary warnings and focusing attention on where it matters most.
3. Improve Safety Insights with vCare TM
While some AI systems lack telematics integration, VIA Mobile360 Safety Solution integrates with vCareTM platform. Our cloud-based platform includes features such as:
Retrieve and Review Alert Video Footage
Access up to 24 hours of continuous video recording, including near-misses and accidents, to strengthen driver training and support safety compliance.
Future-Proof with Continuous AI Updates
Keep your system up to date with Over-The-Air (OTA) for individual vehicles, specific sites, or entire fleets, all without downtime.
Prevent False Sense of Security
The system’s Self-Diagnosis feature activates at ignition, confirming all safety functions are working properly before each shift.
4. Support Driver Well-Being and Safer Operation
For an extra layer of driver safety, our solution offers an optional Driver Safety System (DSS) that detects risky behaviors like fatigue, phone use, and smoking. Get real-time alerts that help drivers stay alert and focused, with actionable insights to support targeted training and proactive safety efforts.
5. Retrofit to Existing Vehicles
Upgrade your existing fleet without replacing a single vehicle. VIA Mobile360 Safety Solution is a brand-agnostic solution that integrates with most makes or models. Its customizable camera configurations ensure compatibility with your current trucks.
Whether it’s sharp turns, tight alleys, or crowded intersections, VIA Mobile360 Safety Solution is built to tackle the real challenges of every on-road operation.