Susie Jones
Nieuws en updates • 3 min lezen

Autonome vrachtwagens: De weg voor ons ontwarren

Gemaakt: 16-05-2025

Bijgewerkt: 23-05-2025

Autonome vrachtwagens - een afschrikwekkend idee voor sommigen, maar schijnbaar de toekomst van de logistieke sector. Naarmate de technologie in de sector voortschrijdt, is het vooruitzicht groot dat gedeeltelijk of volledig autonome voertuigen uw goederen komen afleveren. Volgens de Britse regering zou dit zelfs al in 2026 kunnen gebeuren, aangezien in mei 2024 de Automated Vehicles (AV) Act (wet geautomatiseerde voertuigen) in werking is getreden.

Maar wat gebeurt er als een autonome vrachtwagen een ongeluk krijgt? Wie is aansprakelijk? In deze blog duiken we in de wereld van autonomie, hoe het de mobiliteitssector kan beïnvloeden, wie aansprakelijk is bij ongevallen en wat chauffeurs van de verandering vinden.

Wat zijn de verschillende automatiseringsniveaus?

Er zijn zes automatiseringsniveaus:

  • Niveau 0 - Geen automatisering. De mens voert alle rijtaken uit.

  • Niveau 1 - Bestuurdersassistentie. Het voertuig beschikt over één geautomatiseerd systeem.

  • Niveau 2 - Gedeeltelijke automatisering. Het voertuig kan sturen en accelereren. Een mens controleert echter nog steeds alle taken en kan te allen tijde de controle overnemen.

  • Niveau 3 - Voorwaardelijke automatisering. Het voertuig kan de meeste rijtaken uitvoeren. Er is echter nog steeds menselijke hulp nodig.

  • Niveau 4 - Hoge automatisering. Geofencing is vereist en het voertuig kan alle rijtaken uitvoeren onder specifieke omstandigheden. Menselijke bediening is een optie.

  • Niveau 5 - Volledige automatisering. Het voertuig voert alle rijtaken onder alle omstandigheden uit. Er is geen menselijke aandacht of interactie vereist.

Hoe werken autonome trucks?

Dankzij sensoren, camera's en kunstmatige intelligentie kunnen autonome vrachtwagens zelfstandig rijden. Geavanceerde programma's nemen beslissingen in plaats van menselijke bestuurders.

De problemen waar de industrie mee te maken kan krijgen

  • Juridische aspecten - Wie is aansprakelijk bij ongevallen? Is het de bestuurder, zijn werkgever of het onderhoudsbedrijf? Daar gaan we hieronder dieper op in.

  • Infrastructuur - Onze bestaande wegen zijn gebouwd voor een wereld met benzinemotoren. Daarom moet de infrastructuur worden opgewaardeerd of vervangen om wagenparken met zelfrijdende auto's te ondersteunen, wat geld en een aanzienlijke hoeveelheid politieke wil vereist.

  • Maatschappelijke verschuivingen - De houding van het publiek moet ook veranderen. Het vooruitzicht van AI-voertuigen is voor velen ontmoedigend, met zorgen over de veiligheid, het volgen van reizen en de juridische grijze gebieden met betrekking tot verkeersongevallen.

  • Beveiliging - Een systeem dat vertrouwt op digitale netwerken wordt kwetsbaarder voor cyberbedreigingen.

(https://prodsnapstorage.blob.core.windows.net/public-news/bafaef7e-f4e8-4d78-badb-de2cece2503f-AdobeStock_1275665571.jpg)

Wat vinden vrachtwagenchauffeurs van autonome trucks?

De veiligheid van autonome trucks is een veelbesproken onderwerp binnen de sector, waarbij velen debatteren over de vraag of de technologie op een betrouwbaar niveau is om om te gaan met onvoorspelbaar weer en obstakels te herkennen - iets waar vrachtwagenchauffeurs zich zorgen over maken op de sociale mediapagina's van SNAP:

"Bij het minste beetje regen verliest mijn truck alle automatische mogelijkheden, AEBS en cruisecontrol. Op geen enkele manier mogen vrachtwagens binnenkort zelf rijden zonder chauffeur."

"Dit zal meer mensen op de weg doden en meer files veroorzaken. Bedenk eens hoe betrouwbaar de elektronica van je Euro 6-voertuig is. Dezelfde mensen maken autonome vrachtwagens."

Juridische aspecten - wie is verantwoordelijk bij ongevallen?

Bij een ongeval kan de verantwoordelijkheid verschuiven tussen de bestuurder en de fabrikant. De rechtbank moet bepalen of een ongeluk werd veroorzaakt door een technische fout, onvoldoende onderhoud of een fout van de bestuurder.

Aansprakelijkheid fabrikant

Een fabrikant is aansprakelijk in de volgende gevallen: - Sensorstoring

  • Softwarefouten

  • Inadequate cyberbeveiligingsmaatregelen

  • Onvoldoende testen

Aansprakelijkheid bestuurder/vloot

Een bestuurder van een autonome vrachtwagen kan aansprakelijk zijn voor een ongeval als hij de service of het onderhoud verwaarloost die nodig zijn om het voertuig goed te laten werken - je zou kunnen stellen dat deze aansprakelijkheid ook bij wagenparkbeheerders kan liggen.

Desondanks heerst er nog steeds enige verwarring in de mobiliteitssector. We vroegen vrachtwagenchauffeurs op onze sociale mediapagina's wie volgens hen aansprakelijk zou zijn in het geval van een ongeluk met een autonoom voertuig. 51% van de chauffeurs dacht dat de chauffeur verantwoordelijk zou zijn, 37% suggereerde fabrikanten van geautomatiseerde vrachtwagens en 12% geloofde in softwareontwikkelaars.

Het is duidelijk dat er meer duidelijkheid nodig is onder de mensen in de sector voordat autonome trucks een vast onderdeel worden van onze wegen.

Hoe ziet de toekomst eruit?

In hun vernieuwde TruckPark van de toekomst campagne kijkt SNAP naar de toekomst van de mobiliteitssector. Naarmate de technologie voortschrijdt, zullen autonome voertuigen een belangrijke rol spelen in de sector, met een kans van 50% dat machines alle menselijke banen kunnen overnemen in de komende 120 jaar.

Maar hoe gaan ze om met enkele van de gevaarlijkste snelwegen van Europa?

Vrachtwagenchauffeur zijn is meer dan achter het stuur zitten - het gaat vaak om het navigeren door steeds veranderende en onvoorspelbare wegomstandigheden. Het is de vraag of autonome vrachtwagens de slechtste wegen in Europa aankunnen. In hun meest recente campagne, [Hazardous Highways] (https://snapacc.com/hazardous-highways/), heeft SNAP de gevaarlijkste wegen van Europa geïdentificeerd, waarbij Bulgarije, Litouwen en Tsjechië als meest zorgwekkende naar voren kwamen.

Je zou kunnen stellen dat autonome vrachtwagens voor uitdagingen zullen komen te staan wanneer ze over sommige van deze wegen proberen te navigeren zonder menselijke interactie. Beperkte GPS-nauwkeurigheid, sensorinterferentie en een gebrek aan consistente infrastructuur kunnen de zaken bemoeilijken.

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maandag 21 juli 2025 • Nieuws en updates

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Climate change is no longer a distant risk. For those working in road transport, it’s a daily operational reality – one that’s becoming harder to ignore with every passing year. From heatwaves that melt tarmac to floods that cut off major routes, the impact of a shifting climate is baked into the business of moving goods.For fleet managers, this means navigating evolving regulations, updating infrastructure and rethinking continuity planning. For drivers, it means adapting to new risks on the road – from tyre blowouts to disrupted delivery windows. And for the entire sector, it signals the need for a more resilient, climate-aware approach to mobility.In July 2022, the UK experienced its . As temperatures climbed to 40℃, roads began to soften, with sections of the closed due to surface degradation. 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woensdag 02 juli 2025 • Nieuws en updates

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woensdag 18 juni 2025 • Nieuws en updates

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After months of disruption, freight traffic between Poland and Ukraine is moving freely again. But with tensions still simmering and the threat of renewed blockades on everyone’s minds, fleet operators must remain alert to the risks – and prepared to protect driver welfare on both sides of the border.This article explains what caused the disruption, how it affected drivers, and the steps you can take to reduce the impact if industrial action returns.The situation began in late 2023 when Polish truck drivers began protesting at major border crossings. They claimed that the EU’s decision to waive permit requirements for Ukrainian hauliers – introduced as a temporary wartime measure – led to an influx of lower-cost operators undercutting Polish firms.The protests escalated, blocking key freight routes into Ukraine and trapping thousands of vehicles in queues stretching for miles. At its peak, the blockade left at the border, some waiting more than a week to cross. Non-Ukrainian EU drivers, too, suffered long delays, strained schedules and poor conditions. What began as a logistical dispute evolved into a broader protest by Polish truckers over Ukrainian imports, market access, and the impact of emergency EU transport measures. Polish farmers soon joined in, frustrated by the effect of Ukrainian agricultural products on domestic prices.Polish drivers also for border crossings – known as eCherha – arguing that it put EU hauliers at a disadvantage. While the system was designed to streamline freight movement by allowing carriers to pre-book crossing slots, Polish operators claimed it gave Ukrainian firms greater flexibility and faster access. Issues such as language barriers, limited integration with EU logistics systems and inconsistent implementation left many EU drivers waiting longer at the border, further fuelling the perception of unfair treatment and contributing to the broader unrest. Protests begin at Dorohusk, Hrebenne and Korczowa crossings. More crossings are blocked, including Medyka; three Ukrainian drivers die waiting in queues. The Polish government comes to an agreement to pause the blockade until March. Sporadic blockades resume at smaller crossings. A new four-month blockade began at Yahodyn-Dorohusk but was overturned in court. All major border crossings remain open, but the risk of future disruption remains.In response to the disruption and its wider implications, the Polish government has taken a proactive stance. Border crossings with Ukraine have been designated as critical infrastructure, giving them greater protection from future blockades and helping to ensure the continued flow of freight, humanitarian aid and military support. A new Council for Cooperation with Ukraine has also been established to generally strengthen ties between the two countries. Part of its remit is to improve coordination across trade and transportation. In parallel, Poland is investing in eastern border infrastructure and engaging with EU officials to press for fairer terms for Polish hauliers. While these actions may not resolve the situation overnight, they signal a longer-term commitment to stability and structured dialogue.The blockade created unacceptable conditions for professional drivers. Many spent days or weeks in their cabs with no access to toilets, food or running water. Some were stuck in freezing temperatures with no heating or shelter. during the blockade period, with exhaustion and untreated medical conditions believed to be contributing factors. The disruption also caused significant mental and emotional strain, particularly for Ukrainian drivers trying to reach or return from home during wartime. Delays affected not only trade but also the movement of fuel, aid and military goods critical to Ukraine’s national defence.While Polish protesters insisted that humanitarian and military aid vehicles were permitted through the border, indicate that this wasn’t always the case.These conditions weren’t just traumatic for drivers – they also exposed gaps in fleet risk management and emergency planning. Operators must now treat border disruption as an ongoing threat.Although the situation has stabilised, underlying tensions between Polish hauliers, Ukrainian operators and EU policy remain unresolved. Fleet managers operating in or near the region should be alert to the possibility of further industrial action – especially during seasonal pressure points or EU policy reviews.Here are the SNAP team’s recommendations for managing the situation effectively:Stay up-to-date with news from Polish and Ukrainian logistics associations and government sources. Subscribe to border traffic alerts and follow trusted logistics partners for real-time updates.Have contingency plans that redirect vehicles through Hungary, Slovakia or Romania if crossings between Poland and Ukraine become blocked again.Ensure your trucks are stocked with essentials: food, water, power banks and medical kits. During periods of unrest, access to secure truck parking in Poland is essential, so that your drivers are safe, rested and off the roadside. Equip drivers with up-to-date information on secure truck parking and rest areas along their route.Our has an interactive map of truck parking, with 11,000 HGV service providers across Europe, including Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. It’s an easy-to-use tool for finding secure truck rest areas in Poland, making it especially valuable during periods of industrial action. Although the app does not currently offer bookable truck parking in Ukraine, Ukrainian operators and drivers can use intruck to locate reliable rest stops within the EU during long-distance journeys or times of disruption.With increased demand during periods of disruption, advanced booking is critical. Drivers can also use intruck to find and book trusted truck parking in Poland in advance. Whether your vehicles are travelling deep into Eastern Europe or returning westward, it allows your drivers to access parking for trucks near Warsaw and other high-traffic areas.Establish check-in schedules, especially if long waits or diversions are expected. Reassure drivers that their wellbeing is a priority and provide support if they face unexpected delays. If possible, suggest secure lorry parking locations in Ukraine in advance, so they know where to take a break.The reopening of the Poland-Ukraine border is welcome news for fleets operating in Eastern Europe. But with political tensions unresolved, it’s essential to stay prepared.“The situation is rapidly changing,” says Nick Renton, Head of European Strategy and Business Development at SNAP. “With the potential for further disruption at the Poland-Ukraine border, we recommend that fleet operators put robust plans in place to prioritise driver wellbeing and minimise operational risks. That includes building flexibility into delivery schedules, providing essential supplies in vehicles and ensuring drivers have access to secure truck parking. “Our network of bookable truck stops across Europe and Poland gives you the tools to stay agile – offering peace of mind to both operators and drivers when conditions on the ground become unpredictable.”View our interactive map of .