The heavy-duty truck industry is facing increasingly serious challenges, including driver shortages, long working hours, persistently high accident risks, and rising fuel costs. One solution drawing growing attention is the use of driver support technologies based on AI, sensors, and communication systems. Technologies that complement human judgment—covering automated distance control, drowsiness detection, and visualization of operational data—are advancing rapidly.
This article provides a clear overview of driver support technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability, along with global adoption examples, future prospects, and remaining challenges.
Background to the growing shortage of heavy-duty truck drivers
In recent years, shortages of heavy-duty truck drivers have become a serious social issue in many countries. This situation is driven by a combination of factors, including an aging driver population, declining interest in the transport sector among younger generations, and demanding working conditions.
In the United States and Europe, driver shortages have already led to reduced logistics capacity in some cases, affecting broader economic activity.
Against this backdrop, driver support technologies using AI and sensor systems are gaining attention as an effective countermeasure. These technologies reduce driving workload while also contributing to accident prevention, fuel efficiency improvements, and more efficient training for new drivers. Technological support will be indispensable in building a sustainable logistics framework.
Three categories of heavy-duty truck driver support systems
Driver support technologies for heavy-duty trucks have evolved beyond simple driving assistance into systems that comprehensively support safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The three representative categories are accident-prevention ADAS, telematics and Fleet Management Systems (FMS) for operational optimization, and compliance support technologies.
ADAS: advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent accidents
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for heavy-duty trucks refer to systems equipped with functions including AEBS, LDWS/LKA, BSD, and DMS, designed to support safe driving in high-risk situations.
ADAS includes Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), which detect vehicles or pedestrians ahead using cameras and radar and automatically apply braking when a collision risk is detected. This significantly reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.
Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) recognize lane markings and issue warnings or steering assistance when unintended lane departure is detected, helping prevent accidents during night driving or when drivers are fatigued.
Blind Spot Detection (BSD) alerts drivers when pedestrians or vehicles enter the large blind spots unique to heavy-duty trucks, helping prevent oversight during safety checks.
Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) monitor facial direction and eyelid movement using cameras and issue alerts when signs of drowsiness or inattentive driving are detected, contributing to accident prevention caused by fatigue.
By alerting drivers and intervening before accidents occur, ADAS plays a critical role in supporting safe driving. Given the potentially severe consequences of truck accidents, ADAS adoption is essential as a life-saving measure.
Telematics and fleet management systems: optimizing operations
Telematics and Fleet Management Systems (FMS) are systems that optimize overall operations using communication technologies and data analysis. These systems combine several functions to enhance the quality of fleet operations, including GPS-based vehicle tracking for real-time location monitoring, eco driving support for fuel efficiency, and route optimization for effective delivery planning.
Route optimization functions analyze traffic conditions and delivery information to determine optimal routes, reducing delivery times while lowering fuel costs. Eco-driving support analyzes acceleration, braking behavior, and idling time and provides feedback to drivers, helping improve fuel consumption.
Through these technologies, operational visibility and efficiency improve, enabling companies to achieve maximum performance with limited personnel and vehicle resources.
Compliance support: protecting driver safety and health
Technologies supporting regulatory compliance and labor management are indispensable in modern truck transport. Digital tachographs and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record driving time, rest periods, and speed, helping prevent violations of legally defined working-hour limits.
Alcohol interlock systems automatically record and transmit breathalyzer test results conducted before driving, ensuring strict prevention of drunk driving. Event Data Recorders (EDR) and drive recorders automatically store video and vehicle data during accidents or sudden braking events, supporting accident analysis and driver safety training.
These technologies enable companies to ensure compliance while protecting driver health and safety.
Benefits of introducing driver support systems
Driver support systems deliver benefits extending beyond safety improvements to include operational efficiency and reduced driver burden. The following sections outline key advantages in terms of safety, efficiency, and workload reduction.
Improved safety
The most significant benefit of driver support systems is enhanced safety. Many truck accidents are caused by human error, making risk reduction a critical industry challenge. Driver support technologies complement human limitations through technology, functioning as mechanisms to prevent accidents before they occur.
Automatically recorded and analyzed driving data from accidents further enables more practical and personalized safety training.
Improved operational efficiency
Another major benefit gained from introducing driver support systems is improved operational efficiency. By visualizing and optimizing on-site operations, these systems help reduce various forms of waste and loss, including unnecessary fuel consumption, idle time, and inefficient driving. As a result, they contribute to building more profitable and efficient transport operations.
For example, GPS-based vehicle tracking enables real-time visibility of vehicle locations, allowing more efficient dispatching and schedule adjustments. This makes it possible to respond flexibly to sudden delivery requests or traffic congestion, directly improving service quality and delivery speed.
In addition, AI-based route optimization analyzes driving distance, required time, and traffic conditions in an integrated manner to identify the most efficient routes. This helps avoid unnecessary detours and congestion, leading to shorter delivery times and reduced fuel consumption.
Reduced driver workload
Driver support systems help improve harsh working conditions by leveraging technology to create more comfortable driving environments.
Functions including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) reduce driving burden during long-distance operations, particularly in congestion or highway driving.
Telematics and FMS-driven operational optimization reduce unnecessary waiting and sudden schedule changes, supporting planned operations and helping reduce drivers’ on-duty time while ensuring adequate rest.
Global examples of heavy-duty truck driver support initiatives
Driver support technologies for heavy-duty trucks are being introduced worldwide. The following sections examine initiatives and outcomes in the United States, Australia, Japan, Germany, and Singapore.
United States: government-led driver support initiatives
In the United States, the federal government promotes driver support technologies as a national strategy to enhance safety and efficiency, led by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Mandatory installation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) since 2017 has automated recording of driving and working hours, reducing overwork and strengthening compliance.
Support for ADAS adoption has also expanded, with rising installation rates of AEBS and LDWS contributing to significant reductions in rear-end and lane-departure accidents.
Australia: government-led driver support through regulation and technology
In Australia, where vast distances make long-haul transport a routine part of logistics operations, driver fatigue and drowsy driving have frequently been identified as major causes of serious accidents. Ensuring safe driving has therefore become a national priority. In response, the Australian government has actively advanced driver support through a combination of regulatory frameworks and technology.
One of Australia’s most notable initiatives is the Intelligent Access Program (IAP). Operated under government leadership, IAP is an operational monitoring system that records and manages truck location, speed, and rest history in real time.
IAP records and manages vehicle location, speed, and rest history in real time, thereby controlling road access for authorized vehicles and supporting safety education and compliance. By restricting road access for vehicles that do not meet safety standards, the program helps reduce accident risk while strengthening compliance across transport operators.
Beyond ensuring safe operations, IAP also functions as an incentive mechanism by granting benefits to authorized vehicles, including relaxed axle-load limits. Through public–private collaboration, the program supports more advanced and structured approaches to operational management.
Japan: digital transformation advances and support functions expand
Japan’s trucking industry faces a combination of chronic driver shortages and stricter working-hour regulations introduced in April 2024 under labor reform legislation, commonly referred to as the “2024 issue.” These changes have raised concerns over reduced transport capacity and rising freight rates, placing strong pressure on the industry to achieve fundamental efficiency improvements and better working conditions.
Amid this situation, operational digital transformation has drawn growing attention. The use of AI-based roll-call systems and digital tachographs has enabled automation of pre-departure checks and operational records, significantly strengthening labor management and regulatory compliance.
At the same time, the adoption of trucks equipped with Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is expanding. These technologies contribute to reduced driver fatigue and accident prevention. DMS, in particular, detects signs of drowsiness and reduced attention in real time and issues alerts, helping mitigate accident risks associated with long driving hours.
The Japanese government has introduced a policy package aimed at logistics innovation, and frameworks are gradually being established to support industry-wide improvements. These include digital support measures to improve operational efficiency for both shippers and transport operators, promote collaborative transport, and increase load efficiency.
Through this coordinated public and private support framework, driver support technologies are expected to further strengthen their role as critical infrastructure that will shape the future sustainability of the logistics industry.
Germany: highway accidents reduced through widespread monitoring systems
In Germany, fatigue monitoring and driver monitoring systems play a central role in accident prevention. By detecting reduced concentration based on eye movement and facial orientation, these technologies issue alerts that help prevent accidents before they occur. Their effectiveness is particularly valued in a country where long-distance and extended highway driving is common.
Adoption of Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and active steering control systems is also expanding, gradually standardizing mechanisms that prevent lane departure at high speeds. Even when drivers make momentary judgment errors, these systems can intervene to help avoid serious accidents.
In addition, the use of drive recorders and telematics data for driver evaluation and training is advancing, contributing to improved corporate safety management and reduced insurance costs.
Singapore: government-led development of transport infrastructure
As a city-state, Singapore has long faced the challenge of operating limited road space within a high-density transport network. To address this, the government is promoting a national strategy known as “Smart Mobility 2030,” advancing next-generation transport infrastructure with driver support technologies at its core.
As part of this initiative, support for the introduction of AI-based drive recorders and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has been implemented. These measures have been associated with significant reductions in rear-end and contact accidents in urban areas. In particular, Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) have proven effective on narrow roads and at complex intersections.
Future outlook and challenges for driver support technologies
Driver support technologies for heavy-duty trucks are evolving beyond simple alerts toward predictive, decision-support, and optimization functions through integration with AI and automated driving technologies. In the future, systems are expected to increasingly support traffic conditions, weather, and driver fatigue to propose optimal operational plans.
At the same time, challenges remain. High initial costs continue to pose a major barrier, especially for small and medium-sized operators. Expanded subsidy programs and subscription-based service models will be essential to lowering adoption thresholds.
Overcoming these challenges and establishing mechanisms accessible to smaller operators will be critical to raising the overall level of the industry.
Conclusion | Toward safe and sustainable truck transport through driver support technologies
The heavy-duty truck industry is currently facing multiple structural challenges, including driver shortages, accident risks, and rising fuel costs. Driver support technologies that leverage AI, sensors, and communication systems are attracting strong attention as multifaceted solutions.
As global case studies demonstrate, these technologies go beyond mechanical assistance to support driver safety, improved working conditions, and the sustainability of logistics operations.
By balancing safety improvements with greater efficiency, driver support technologies represent an effective means of addressing the fundamental challenge of driver shortages. They are expected to become indispensable infrastructure for transport operators, as further technological advances progress alongside improvements in cost structures, training, and regulatory frameworks.
