Iteris, a provider of advanced technologies that help reduce traffic congestion and improve the safety of surface transportation systems, announced Thursday, Nov. 13, that less-than-truckload carrier Saia Inc. is making Iteris’ AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Systems standard equipment on all new tractor purchases.
Iteris’ LDW system is designed to help prevent sideswipe, run-off-road and inadvertent lane change accidents caused by fatigue, inattention or distraction. A windshield-mounted camera uses “machine vision technology” to track visible lane markings and warn drivers when they are leaving the lane or roadway — anywhere there are lane markings. Iteris says fleets using LDW systems have reported an average of 77 percent reduction in lane departure-related accidents, inadvertent lane change, sideswipe or run-off-road accidents.
“At Saia, ensuring the safety of our trucks on the road is of the utmost importance, not only for our drivers, but also for our customers and the communities we serve,” says Rick O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of the Johns Creek, Ga.-based company. “Providing our drivers with the most up-to-date technology highlights our focus on safety and the roll it plays every day in our company.”
Saia has received 140 units of Iteris’ LDW systems to date. “We are pleased that Saia has chosen to implement Iteris’ Lane Departure Warning Systems,” says Francis Memole Sr., vice president and general manager of vehicle sensors for Santa Ana, Calif.-based Iteris. “Historically, fleets who have installed these systems have realized significant bottom-line benefits.”
