Samsung targets truck safety

The days of frustrated motorists taking risks to overtake trucks on the open road could be coming to a close – at least they are if Samsung takes its latest concept through to fruition.

The South Korean technology giant has previewed what it calls its 'Safety Truck' – essentially a prime mover with a forward-facing camera setup that displays a view of the road ahead on a giant screen fixed to the rear of the trailer.

The screen gives following motorists a clear view of the road ahead as seen from the front of the truck, making the decision to overtake a long vehicle far less fraught.

In something of a departure from Samsung's usual endeavours, the company says it's eyeing far loftier goals with its latest technological advance.

"Samsung developed a technology for trucks that seeks to enrich the lives of people through innovation," the company states on its official blog.

"But more than that, this time the goal is more ambitious: to save lives."

The company has trialled the technology in Argentina – an unlikely nation perhaps, but one with a horrendous rate of road fatalities that claims, on average, one life every hour. A large proportion of accidents stem from overtaking on the sprawling nation's two-lane roads, and that gave Samsung all the reason it needed to take action.

The technology itself is relatively simple. A wireless camera on the front of the truck is connected to the rear 'video wall', which itself comprises four exterior monitors. The display is effective day or night, and also potentially warns following motorists of impending hazards like accidents, breakdowns, or animals that have strayed onto the road.

Samsung says it supplied the large-format display samples and conducted testing with an Argentine B2B client, while the slick YouTube clip supporting the concept (see below) was produced in partnership with the Argentine office of advertising giant Leo Burnett.

Curiously, the company says the prototype vehicle is no longer operation, but it confirms the technology does indeed work.

The next step? Working with national authorities to ensure the system wins the necessary permits and approvals – once those hurdles have been cleared the road ahead is clear…