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July 26, 2000 9:35 AM, EDT

WASHINGTON — Government officials are putting truckloads of faith in technology to help reach the goal of 50% fewer truck-related fatalities by 2010, and manufacturers have responded by rolling out their first test vehicles under the Intelligent Vehicles Initiative.

The intent behind IVI is to accelerate the use of technologies that warn drivers of dangerous situations, recommend actions and, in some cases, even assume partial control of the vehicle, according to the Department of Transportation.

DOT and the Society of Automotive Engineers held a meeting July 19-20 in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate technologies being tested under the program. The session also enabled participants to evaluate research and development efforts.

Mack Trucks, Freightliner and Volvo Trucks North America representatives were at the meeting and were more than willing to demonstrate the advancement in their trucks.

For the full story, see the July 24 print edition of Transport Topics. .