• 20
  • September
    2011

Technology is rapidly transforming our world. Hospitals now propose smart programs that will help diagnose illness and treatment for patients. Smartphones offer GPS, scheduling and web surfing options. Smart cars can navigate and park themselves. Now, the commercial carrier industry is about to experience the same sea change in safety protocols. On September 14, 2011, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC, offered our nation's lawmakers a demonstration of a line of advanced safety and fuel-saving technologies.

Bendix develops and supplies various safety technologies for medium and heavy duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles.This past September, the company offered its newest line of products, which mitigate loss of control, rollover accidents, and rear-end collisions. Among the Bendix offerings are a full-stability system, an active cruise with braking system, a lane departure warning system, a vision base alert system, and a data collection method for driver performance.

New Trucking Technologies May Reduce Catastrophic Trucking Accidents

Many truck accidents are due to human or mechanical fault. Drivers who are impaired or fatigued create great risks to other vehicles on the road. Overloaded trailers and faulty operating equipment increase risk for major crashes and injuries. New technologies can tackle these problems.

For example, Bendix' active cruise with braking system helps drivers maintain safe following distances. Through the use of warnings and active braking, the system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions. Other technologies are designed to improve data collection and reduce rollover risks.

These systems may be welcomed innovations that the trucking industry needs as the federal government has instituted a number of new regulations affecting commercial carriers. The trucking industry faces stricter compliance regarding driver behaviors, record keeping and vehicle operation with the CSA 2010 rules and proposed hours-of-service rule changes this year.

In 2009, 3,600 people died and 93,000 were injured in truck-related crashes. Many of these losses could have been avoided. Technology can make highway safety an easier goal, but absolute reliance on systems and mechanisms should never replace common sense solutions such as driver training, public education, and awareness.

Source: Bendix to Hold Safety Technology Demo in Washington, D.C., Truckinginfo.com, 9/12/11