Ingrid Brown: AI Ensures Safety, but Autonomous Trucks Raise Concerns

A Trucking Career Marked by Technological Evolution

Ingrid Brown, a veteran of the trucking industry, has spent nearly 47 years behind the wheel of a truck. She reflects on the profound changes her profession has undergone, particularly due to the introduction of technologies such as mobile phones and dashboard cameras powered by artificial intelligence. According to her, these innovations have significantly improved safety on the roads. However, she remains skeptical about the adoption of autonomous trucks, insisting on the need to prove their reliability before fully integrating them into the sector.

In her early days, Ingrid recalls a time when technology was virtually nonexistent in the trucking world. She only had a CB radio for communication, and personal safety was a constant concern, especially as a woman alone on the road. She had to ensure that the places where she spent the night were safe, as in case of trouble, no one could be easily alerted. She often wondered how someone would know if she had a problem if she didn’t move her truck in the morning.

Today, thanks to AI, drivers can be warned of potential hazards on the road, such as the presence of wildlife or a driver's drowsiness. These technological tools help prevent accidents and improve vigilance while driving, a progress that Ingrid welcomes. She particularly appreciates that technology can remind drivers to stay attentive to the road, thus helping to avoid incidents before they occur.

Autonomy and Self-Discipline: The Pillars of a Bygone Era

Originally from Boone, North Carolina, Ingrid began her trucking career in 1979, driving a Diamond Reo. She has traveled millions of miles transporting a variety of goods, from livestock to dynamite. At that time, safety relied primarily on the vigilance and self-discipline of drivers. Safety inspections, management of driving hours, and compliance with regulations were individual responsibilities.

Drivers had to record their working hours on paper, allowing for some flexibility, even creative adjustments to schedules. Ingrid remembers this time as a period when one learned to fend for oneself, without the help of modern technology. She has safely driven over 5.7 million miles, a testament to her commitment to safety and personal discipline.

The Revolutionary Impact of the Phone in Transport

The arrival of the phone marked a turning point in Ingrid's career. This tool transformed the way she worked, allowing her to stay in touch with her clients and manage unexpected situations on the road more effectively. She could now call to confirm appointments or report delays, which significantly improved her productivity and safety.

Although Ingrid was not born in the digital age, she adapted to new technologies. Initially reluctant to be monitored by systems like those from Motive (formerly KeepTruckin), she eventually recognized the benefits of these tools. They allowed her to focus on driving by eliminating some administrative tasks and providing additional protection in case of incidents. She discovered that these systems could tell the true story during incidents, thus protecting drivers.

Autonomous Trucks: A Technology Under Scrutiny

Ingrid has worked with companies developing autonomous trucks, but she remains cautious about their adoption. She emphasizes that experienced drivers can anticipate and react to unforeseen situations long before they occur, a skill that autonomous trucks have yet to demonstrate.

However, she is open to learning more about these technologies, acknowledging that her past experiences with other innovations have taught her the importance of staying curious and informed. Ingrid envisions a future where autonomous trucks could be used for short or local trips, but she remains committed to the idea that long-haul trips still require a human presence.

As a driver manager, Ingrid is also concerned about the economic implications of autonomous trucks. She fears that automation could deprive many drivers of their jobs, individuals who have dedicated their lives to this industry. For her, it is crucial to find a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of jobs in the trucking sector. She stresses the importance of providing truckers with the tools and support necessary to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.